Block printing is where the whole Yogipod story starts. The beautiful craft is how all of our props and homewares are printed and it truly is a skill passed down over generations. I work with a husband and wife organisation who oversee a cluster of small family run workshops. It is these artsisan workshops that bring the beauty of block printing to life
It’s a process filled with skill and creativity, and one that cannot be rushed which is what gives it it’s gorgeous handmade energy
Step 1 | Block Carving
It all starts with a block of either rose or mango wood. This has the design traced onto a whitewashed surface which is then experty carved by hand by the block carving artisans.
This process always blows my mind and is something I can just about understand for our bolder designs but the delicate nature of our Filigree Flower design is the one I never understand how they have the skill and patience to carve by hand
Step 2 | Printing
The blocks are then passed onto the next set of artisans, those that will print the design itself.
This process begins with laying long lengths of the cloth to be printed along printing tables which are covered in an absorbent felt.
Once the fabric is laid flat the printing itself can begin. The wooden block is inked up in a tray on wheels that the printer moves along with them and then expertly stamped in just the right place. Trust me it is harder than it looks!
Step 3 | Washing
Following the printing it is time for the fabric to be washed. This helps to remove any dye residues and to help the dye itself adhere to the fabric.
Carried out in giant vats it is quite the process to observe as all the coloured fabric swirls together into a rainbow of colour in the Jaipur sun
Step 4 | Drying
The final process is to dry the washed fabrics out in the sun which is done by either hanging the fabric out on huge racks or leaving it to dry on the ground
This obviously dries them from the washing process itself but some of the dyes also require sunlight to activate certain pigments and to turn the correct colour. This is why there is some variation between batches and is all part of the hand made beauty.
As you can see the whole process is very hands on and often also dictated by the weather. As soon as monsoon season arrives in Jaipur it can really slow everything down and can put a stop to the drying process as there may not be enough hours of sunlight to dry and cure the fabric. To me that is all part of the beauty of the process and although annoying logistically something I wouldn’t change
Enjoyed this behind the scenes glimpse into block printing? Let me know in the comments below