Handblocked printed Ajrakh on natural dyed Indigo cotton fabric

Fabric specifications and care

Material and colouring

Cotton on indigo with Ajrakh blockprint

Weight (GSM)

120 g/m²

Width

44"

Length

1 yard

Hand feel

At 120 GSM the cotton feels light-to-medium in the hand: breathable and softly substantial rather than papery. The surface shows a faint tooth where the pigment sits in the weave (visible in the close-up photos), and the drape is relaxed and fluid with a delicate, slightly sheer quality.

Drape rating

4/5

Transparency

Sheer

Suggested uses

✦ Ideal for Everyday button-up shirts & blouses; Open-front kimono / overshirts and lightweight shackets; Unlined summer shirt-dresses and tunics; Sheer curtain panels and café-style window treatments; Scarves and lightweight wraps. These uses make the most of the breathable, medium-weight body, the decorative blockprint and the fabric's soft drape while working with its sheer transparency. ✦ Also suitable for Lined midi or maxi dresses (use a cotton voile or slip), fully lined A-line skirts, lightweight pyjama tops with matching shorts (add lining where modesty desired), cushion covers or table runners with backing or interfacing — all will work well if you add a lining or underlining where opacity or structure is needed. ✦ Not recommended for Upholstery or heavy-duty seat covers, structured tailored jackets or coats, denim-style trousers and high-wear workwear, swimwear or activewear, items that require heavy interfacing or intense abrasion resistance — the fabric is too light, sheer or delicate for these purposes.

Care instructions

Wash cold on a gentle cycle or by hand with a mild detergent; wash separately for first 2–3 washes. Line dry in the shade to preserve colour; avoid prolonged tumble drying. Iron inside out on low–medium heat (110–150°C) and steam lightly if needed. Store folded away from direct sunlight to prevent indigo fading.

Washing and shrinkage

Handwash or gentle machine wash in cold water separately; natural indigo can bleed for the first few washes. Expect around 3–4% dimensional shrinkage on the first wash — pre-washing is recommended before cutting.

Craft story

This cloth carries the Ajrakh story — hand-blocked by master printers whose families have practiced the blockprint and indigo-resist tradition for generations in the Kutch/Sindh region. Each repeat is printed from carved wooden blocks and dipped in natural indigo, producing the soft contrast between the deep blue ground and the creamy, resist-printed motifs. The multi-stage handwork and naturally fermented indigo give every metre a slightly different patina — a living, handcrafted textile rather than a factory repeat.

Colour notes

The ground is a soft, natural indigo — mid to deep blue with a slightly muted, dusty tone — while the Ajrakh resist prints remain a warm, creamy white. Expect gentle tonal variation across rolls and a subtle softening of colour with repeated washing and sunlight, which is part of the natural-dyed charm.

Additional notes

Please note: natural indigo may transfer lightly during the first few washes and slight colour and pattern variation between batches is part of the handmade character. Because the cloth is semi-sheer, many garments will require lining or thoughtful pattern placement for full coverage.