India's Ancient Craft – Printed One Stamp at a Time
Here at MASALA, we love block print
MASALA Universe – Block Print
A wooden block can be used thousands of times.
Behind a beautiful block print lies an impressive craftsmanship. Each color and every single detail in the pattern requires its own hand-carved wooden block. Therefore, a single design can consist of 10, 15, or even 20 different blocks, all of which must fit together precisely.
The block printer works systematically with one block at a time. First, the outlines are printed, then the individual colors layer by layer, until the entire pattern is finished. Each block must be placed with great precision so that the pattern aligns perfectly throughout the entire length of the fabric.
The more detailed the design, the more blocks and work steps it requires. Some of the most advanced patterns can take several days to complete because the fabric needs to dry between each color layer.
A pattern can require 10-20 different blocks.
After harvesting, the cotton fibres are cleaned to remove seeds and impurities. The long fibres are combed and laid parallel, providing a uniform and strong basis for the finished yarn.
The fibres are then spun into fine threads using modern spinning techniques combined with many years of experience. The quality of the yarn significantly impacts the fabric's softness, strength, and durability.
At MASALA, only high-quality cotton yarn is used, so our textiles feel soft against the skin and retain their beautiful appearance – even after many washes.
Each color is printed separately
In traditional block printing, colours are applied one at a time. Each shade requires its own hand-carved wooden block, precisely adapted to the part of the pattern that needs that particular colour.
First, one colour is printed across the entire fabric. The textile then often needs to dry before the next block and the next colour can be applied. The artisan must position each block very accurately so that the lines, flowers, and details of the pattern align.
The more colours a design contains, the more steps it requires. A complex pattern can therefore consist of many hundreds or thousands of hand prints. Small variations in placement and colour saturation are a natural part of the process and make each piece of textile unique.
MASALA and block printing
At MASALA, block printing is much more than a printing technique – it's a story of people, traditions, and a craft that deserves to be preserved. That's why block printing has been a part of our collection from the very beginning.
When we visit our partners in India, we meet families where block printing has been a part of daily life for generations. Here, the techniques are not learned in a school but passed down from parents over many decades. This knowledge and experience cannot be replaced by machines.
We believe in long-term relationships over quick deals. That's why we collaborate with the same manufacturers year after year. This provides security, mutual respect, and consistent quality, while also allowing the artisans to continue their work and preserve the proud traditions that make Indian block printing truly unique.
We choose quality over mass production. Each piece of fabric is hand-printed with care, and small variations in pattern and color are not flaws – they are visible proof that the textile was created by human hands. It is precisely these details that give each product its own character and soul.
All our block print products are made from cotton, which is grown with consideration for both people and the environment, and the production meets high environmental and social standards.
When you choose a block print product from MASALA, you therefore get more than just a beautiful textile. You get a piece of living cultural history, created with respect for ancient craft traditions, responsible production, and the people who skillfully keep the art alive – one handprint at a time.
At MASALA, block printing is not just about patterns and colors. It's about preserving a unique craft, supporting the people who master it, and bringing authentic textiles with history, quality, and thoughtfulness into Scandinavian homes.
Block printing is a recurring theme throughout much of MASALA's collection. This traditional printing technique is used on both fashion and home textiles, imbuing each product with a unique expression where small variations tell the story of true craftsmanship.
At MASALA, you'll find block prints on a wide selection of products, all made from soft, high-quality materials and hand-printed by skilled artisans in Rajasthan.
Read more about natural dyes here
Block print clothing
Our block print clothing collection is small but includes dresses, shirts, shorts, trousers, among other things. Each design is hand-printed with traditional wooden blocks, giving the clothing a vibrant and personal expression that cannot be achieved with machine printing.
Home textiles
Block printing also creates a warm and atmospheric ambiance in the home. In our home collection, you'll find:
Block print cushions
Block print tablecloths
Block print quilts
The hand-printed patterns blend beautifully into both modern and classic homes, adding warmth, color, and personality.
Bags and accessories
Block printing is also used on several of our accessories, where traditional craftsmanship meets functional design. Here you'll find:
Block print toiletry bags
Block print tote bags
Handmade – from first to last print
Common to all our block print products is that they are made with great respect for traditional craftsmanship. Each piece of fabric is hand-printed before being sewn into the finished product. Therefore, no two products are exactly alike – and that is precisely what makes them unique.
When you choose a block print product from MASALA, you don't just get a beautiful design. You get a product where every single detail has been created with time, care, and generations of experience.
Read more
Read more here
Floral print from Rajasthan
Sanganer – the city of elegant floral prints from Rajasthan Just a few kilometers south of Jaipur lies the historic city of Sanganer
Jaipur – the textile capital of Rajasthan
Jaipur – the heart of India's traditional block printing When discussing handmade block printing, it's impossible to overlook Jaipur
The Art of Block Printing
Our block print tablecloths are created using one of India's oldest textile traditions. Each tablecloth is hand-printed using hand-carved wooden blocks, which are dipped in dye and carefully pressed onto the fabric