Cotton with kalamkari on indigo base with natural dyes
$25.00 · In stock
Discover the exquisite beauty of our cotton fabric featuring handblock printed kalamkari on a rich indigo base. Crafted using natural dyes, this semi-sheer textile showcases intricate designs that celebrate traditional artisan craftsmanship. With a comfortable GSM of 160 and a versatile drape rating of 3/5, it lends itself beautifully to a variety of projects—from flowing garments to vibrant home décor. Elevate your creations with this unique, eco-friendly fabric that tells a story of heritage and artistry.
Fabric specifications and care
- Material and colouring
- Cotton with natural dyed kalamkari on indigo base
- Weight (GSM)
- 160 g/m²
- Width
- 44"
- Length
- 1 yard
- Hand feel
- At 160 GSM this cotton sits in a medium‑weight range: substantial in the hand but still breathable and semi‑sheer. The surface shows a faint slub and the soft tooth of hand‑printed kalamkari, with a moderate drape that skims rather than clings (see images for weave texture and printed surface).
- Drape rating
- 3/5
- Transparency
- Semi-Sheer
- Suggested uses
- ✦ Ideal for Relaxed button‑up shirts and blouses; Lined shirt‑dresses and summer dresses; A‑line and wrap skirts (with light lining); Cushion covers and decorative throws; Semi‑sheer café or layered curtains. These uses suit the medium 160 GSM weight, artisan surface and semi‑sheer drape—they highlight the print while working with the fabric’s breathability and modest structure. ✦ Also suitable for Children’s summer dresses and tunics (require a lining); Lightweight lined shackets or unstructured jackets (use full lining or underlining for durability); Table runners, placemats and soft lampshades (use interfacing/backing to stabilise); Scarves and wide bandanas (as a semi‑sheer accessory). ✦ Not recommended for Heavy upholstery, seat cushions for everyday use or structured bags; Tailored trousers or structured coats that need heavyweight canvas; Swimwear or activewear and any item requiring heavy abrasion resistance; Items that must be fully opaque without lining.
- Care instructions
- Wash gently in cold water, separately for the first few washes; do not bleach. Line dry in the shade to preserve natural dyes; tumble drying not recommended. Iron on medium heat on the reverse side or with a pressing cloth; store folded away from direct sunlight in a breathable bag.
- Washing and shrinkage
- Hand or gentle machine wash cold (30°C) with mild detergent; expect 3–5% shrinkage on the first wash – prewashing is recommended before cutting.
- Craft story
- Woven in small batches and hand‑printed by kalamkari artisans in India, this cotton is built on a deep indigo ground and finished with natural dyes applied by skilled hands. Each motif is painted and block‑pressed with traditional tools, a slow technique that leaves subtle texture, soft colour blooms and the gentle irregularities that make every yard unique. The result is a quietly modern, sustainably dyed textile that celebrates craft at every stage.
- Colour notes
- The indigo base reads as a soft, dusty blue with natural depth and mottling typical of hand‑applied indigo. The leaf motifs appear in warm mustard and muted olive‑grey with slight tonal variation across the repeat — these subtle shifts are a signature of natural dyes and hand printing.
- Additional notes
- Please note: natural dye shades and block‑print placement vary slightly between batches — these irregularities are part of the handmade character of our fabrics. Prewash before cutting to allow for initial shrinkage and minor colour bleed.