Handblock print using natural dyes on Ecru natural cotton

Fabric specifications and care

Material and colouring

Cotton handblock print of black on ecru

Weight (GSM)

140 g/m²

Width

44"

Length

1 yard

Hand feel

A medium 140gsm cotton with a soft, slightly open weave — the photos show a semi‑sheer cloth with clear handblocked texture rather than a heavy, compact finish. In the hand it feels light and breathable with a subtle crispness from the print; it drapes easily but keeps a gentle body suitable for flowing tops and soft overlays.

Drape rating

4/5

Transparency

Sheer

Suggested uses

✦ Ideal for 1) Lightweight button‑up shirts and blouses (unlined) — crisp front, breathable back; 2) Shirt‑dresses and tunics worn with a simple slip or light lining; 3) Layering pieces such as over‑shirts, kimonos and short dusters; 4) Lined A‑line or gathered summer skirts; 5) Sheer café or rod‑pocket curtains and lightweight drapery. These uses suit the fabric because its 140gsm medium weight, soft drape and semi‑sheer ecru ground with a crisp handblock print give breathable structure and visual texture ideal for lightweight apparel and soft furnishings. ✦ Also suitable for Long scarves and lightweight wraps (pair with a solid slip or underlayer for opacity); camisoles and slip dresses if fully lined; cushion covers and decorative pillows when backed or interlined for durability; table runners and placemats with a fabric backing; lightweight unlined summer skirts for layered looks (best with a lining if modesty is needed). ✦ Not recommended for Structured tailoring (blazers, fitted jackets), heavily used upholstery or floor cushions, heavyweight outerwear (coats), trousers meant for frequent abrasion, swimwear or activewear, and any unlined project requiring full opacity or heavy body.

Care instructions

Wash gently at or below 30°C by hand or on a delicate machine cycle; use a mild, non‑bleaching detergent and wash separately the first time. Line dry in the shade to preserve natural dyes; tumble dry on low increases shrinkage so avoid if possible. Iron warm (cotton setting, ~150–180°C) on the reverse or with a cloth; store folded away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Washing and shrinkage

Hand wash or gentle machine wash cold (30°C) with mild detergent and expect approximately 3–5% dimensional shrinkage on the first wash if not prewashed; prewash before cutting to avoid further change.

Craft story

Hand‑block printed and naturally dyed on ecru cotton by a small co‑operative of block‑printers in India, this cloth carries the quiet imperfections and slow rhythm of a hand‑made process. Each repeat is stamped using carved wooden blocks and vegetable‑based black pigment, then softened and finished by hand — a lineage that goes back generations. What makes it special is the high‑contrast, textural leaf motif combined with the gentle warmth of an undyed ground that reveals the maker’s touch in every motif.

Colour notes

The cloth is a warm ecru ground printed in a deep, naturally dyed black; the handblock method produces slight tonal irregularities and occasional soft haloing at the edges of the print. In bright daylight the contrast reads sharp and graphic, while in softer indoor light the overall impression becomes more organic and toned‑down.

Additional notes

Please note: natural dye shades and print intensity can vary slightly between batches and blocks — these variations are a hallmark of handcraft. We recommend prewashing a swatch before cutting to check shrinkage and colourfastness.