If you’ve ever fallen in love with the charm of block-printed textiles—the soft cottons, earthy tones, and delicate patterns—you’re not alone. There’s something magical about handcrafted block print fabrics. Each piece feels alive with character, history, and artistry. But in today’s world, where mass-produced prints flood the market, how do you know if what you’re buying is truly handcrafted?
Let’s explore how to spot real handcrafted block print fabrics so you can buy with confidence—and heart.
First, What Makes Handcrafted Block Print Fabrics So Special?
Before we get into the spotting tips, let’s take a moment to appreciate what handcrafted block print fabrics actually are.
These fabrics are made using hand-carved wooden blocks that are dipped in dye and pressed, one by one, onto cloth. Each color requires a separate block and perfect alignment by the artisan. This technique is hundreds of years old and still practiced in places like Rajasthan, especially in villages like Bagru and Sanganer.
The result? A fabric that isn’t just beautiful—it’s a story in cotton. A tradition printed by hand. A work of art you can wear or decorate your home with.
Why You Should Care About Authenticity
With the popularity of block print designs growing globally, it’s easy to get tricked by machine-made versions that look similar at first glance. These are often digitally printed or screen-printed copies of original designs—fast to make, cheap to sell, and totally missing the soul of real block print.
Buying authentic handcrafted block print fabrics:
- Supports real artisans and their communities
- Keeps a dying art form alive
- Gives you something truly unique and handmade
So yes, it’s worth knowing the difference.
1. Little Imperfections Are a Good Thing
One of the clearest signs you’re holding something handmade? It’s not perfect.
Real block prints will have tiny irregularities—like:
- Slight overlaps or gaps in the pattern
- Minor smudges of dye
- A design that’s not perfectly aligned
These aren’t flaws; they’re fingerprints of the human touch. If every flower or paisley looks too perfect, too machine-like… it probably is.
2. Touch the Fabric—Feel the Difference
Handcrafted block print fabrics are usually made with soft, natural materials like cotton, mulmul, or silk. They feel breathable, earthy, and gentle on the skin.
Here’s what to look (or feel) for:
- The dye may make certain parts of the fabric feel slightly stiffer
- Natural dyes can sometimes leave a slightly uneven surface
- If it feels plasticky or too smooth, it might be synthetic or printed with chemicals
Run your hand across it—you’ll feel the love if it’s real.
3. Flip It Over—Yes, the Back Tells a Story
Here’s a simple test: turn the fabric over.
If it’s block printed, the design will usually be faintly visible on the reverse side—though not as bold as the front. You may even see spots where the dye soaked through unevenly.
Machine prints, on the other hand, usually sit on top of the fabric. The back might be blank or much lighter. Flip and compare—it often tells you everything.
4. Notice the Colors—They Shouldn’t Scream
Hand block printing often uses natural or low-impact dyes, which means:
- The colors are earthy, soft, sometimes slightly uneven
- You may spot tiny areas where the color is darker or lighter
- The overall look is warm and lived-in—not shiny or neon-bright
That soft indigo blue or dusty mustard yellow you’re seeing? That’s tradition talking.
5. See Those Tiny Marks? That’s the Magic.
Each block in a design needs to be carefully lined up—especially if multiple colors are involved. Sometimes, you’ll see little alignment marks or a slight misplacement between colors.
That’s normal. Actually, that’s wonderful.
It means someone—an actual person—stood there stamping each color by hand. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. That’s the beauty.
6. Ask About the Story Behind It
A good seller of handcrafted block print fabrics will want to tell you where it comes from.
Ask questions like:
- Was this made in Rajasthan?
- Is it from Bagru or Sanganer?
- Was it done with vegetable dyes?
- Do you know the artisan or workshop?
If you get vague answers or none at all, it’s probably mass-produced. A real handcrafted piece comes with a history—and people are usually proud to share it.
7. Go On—Give It a Sniff
Okay, this might sound funny. But natural dyed fabrics—especially fresh or untreated ones—can have a slightly earthy, woody smell. It’s the scent of natural ingredients and hand-dyeing techniques.
Mass-produced printed fabrics often have no smell or a chemical-like odor. Weird test? Maybe. But surprisingly helpful!
8. Don’t Let Price Fool You
Let’s be honest—real handcrafted block print fabrics take time. A single bedsheet or saree can take several days to complete. So while it doesn’t have to be expensive, it definitely won’t be super cheap.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look for fair prices that respect the effort behind the work—not bargain-bin deals that cut out the artisan.
A Quick, Friendly Checklist
Here’s a recap if you’re out shopping or scrolling online:
- Slight pattern or color irregularities
- Soft, breathable natural fabric
- Visible pattern (even faint) on the back side
- Slight misalignments in multi-color designs
- Rich but subtle colors (not overly bright)
- A story or origin to go with it
- Fair pricing, not suspiciously low
Final Thoughts: Choose With Heart
Handcrafted block print fabrics are more than just products—they’re pieces of heritage, woven and printed with love. By learning to spot the real thing, you’re not just being a smart shopper. You’re choosing to value tradition, sustainability, and people over fast fashion.
So next time you’re tempted by those lovely prints, take a moment. Look closer. Feel the fabric. Ask questions. And when you find a real one—you’ll know.
It won’t just look beautiful. It’ll feel right.