Handspun Khadi Fabric: Indigo Floral Kalamkari Block Print

Fabric specifications and care

Material and colouring

Cotton, Indigo filled on Kora base.

Weight (GSM)

160 g/m²

Width

44"

Length

1 yard

Hand feel

The cloth has an honest, slubby khadi hand — gently textured with visible weave and soft, tactile yarn slubs; the indigo sits slightly on the surface rather than fully saturating the ground. It feels midweight in the hand (approximately 180–220 GSM), with enough body for light structure but a relaxed drape suitable for unlined garments. Close-up images show the block‑print texture and natural irregularities that add visual depth.

Drape rating

3/5

Transparency

Semi-Sheer

Suggested uses

✦ Ideal for Casual button‑up shirts and short-sleeve camp shirts; unlined overshirts/shackets and lightweight chore jackets; shirt‑dresses and straight shift dresses; home linens such as cushion covers and table runners; structured market tote bags with interfacing. These uses take advantage of the fabric’s midweight body, tactile surface and durable yet breathable cotton construction. ✦ Also suitable for A‑line skirts and relaxed culottes (use a light lining or stay‑stitching); unlined summer blazers for casual wear (best with soft shoulder construction); lightweight aprons and utility accessories (use topstitching for durability); scarves and headwraps (raw or machine‑finished edges). Minor lining or stabilising will improve longevity where needed. ✦ Not recommended for Tailored suiting, formal eveningwear or garments requiring high sheen; high‑abrasion upholstery (sofas, frequently used armchairs); swimwear or activewear; close‑fitting trousers or garments that require heavy structure without substantial interfacing.

Care instructions

Wash cold with a mild detergent, separately for the first 1–2 washes to avoid indigo transfer; do not bleach. Line dry in shade to protect colour; iron on a medium cotton setting while slightly damp to relax the weave. Store folded in a cool, dry place away from prolonged direct sunlight.

Washing and shrinkage

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle or handwash separately; expect natural handspun khadi to shrink 3–6% on the first wash (always prewash a sample if width/length is critical).

Craft story

Handspun on a Kora base and block-printed by small co-operative studios in India, this cloth carries the slow-making traditions of khadi and kalamkari. Local artisans hand-fill the motifs with natural indigo, then stamp each repeat with carved wooden blocks — small irregularities and speckled fill are proof of the human hand. The result is a tactile, honest fabric that reads as both heritage textile and contemporary surface design.

Colour notes

The indigo fill reads as a mid‑tone blue with subtle teal lean and visible speckling from the hand‑filled blocks; the natural kora ground softens the contrast so colours appear warm and slightly muted in low light and more vivid in daylight. Expect minor batch-to-batch and in‑repeat variation — part of the handmade charm.

Additional notes

Please note: natural indigo and hand‑filled block prints will show slight colour and repeat variation between bolts — this is an authentic feature of handmade textiles. Indigo may crock on first washes, so launder separately until colourfastness is established.