The rhythm of block printing
We had been traveling in India for weeks, soaking in colors, sounds, and textures that seemed alive.
We decided to join a block print workshop - and that’s where it happened. The spark.
The sound of wood meeting fabric.
The smell of wet cotton and pigment.
The slow, hypnotic rhythm of hands repeating the same gesture, again and again.
Each print imperfect, yet perfect in its honesty.
What is Block Printing?
Block printing is one of the world’s oldest textile techniques - the art of pressing carved wooden blocks onto fabric to create intricate, rhythmic patterns.
Each block is hand-carved from shesham wood, dipped into natural dye, and stamped carefully, one by one. The result is fabric that carries the warmth of human touch - irregular, soulful, and alive.
At AATMA, we celebrate this craft through our designs and collections. But the beauty of block printing goes far beyond the final print — it’s about patience, precision, and the deep connection between maker, material, and nature.
From China to India ~ The journey of this craft
Although woodblock printing originated in China over 4,000 years ago, it was in India that the craft truly came to life.
By the time of the Mughal Empire (1526–1857), block printing had reached its golden age. Textiles weren’t just clothing, they were a symbol of status and a form of currency. Mughal fabrics, often covered in delicate floral patterns symbolizing paradise, became icons of beauty and sophistication.
Over centuries, India’s regions developed their own visual languages.
Among them, Rajasthan, with its dry air, rich minerals, and deep dyeing culture, became the beating heart of Indian block printing.
Rajasthan ~ The home of block printing
Just outside Jaipur, two towns continue to preserve this heritage: Bagru and Sanganer.
- Bagru is known for its earthy tones and bold, geometric prints, all made with natural dyes from plants, minerals, and rust.
- Sanganer, in contrast, is famous for its delicate floral patterns and bright colors, printed with exquisite precision.
Walking through Bagru today, you still see cotton drying in the sun, hear the soft rhythm of wood meeting cloth, and smell the faint scent of indigo in the air.
A living art that continues to evolve, one print at a time.
The Process ~ How block printing comes to life
Creating a hand-block printed fabric is a slow, meditative process - one that requires skill, time, and deep respect for materials.
Here’s how it unfolds:
- Designing the pattern - Each motif is first drawn by hand, often inspired by nature, geometry, or Mughal art.
- Carving the wooden blocks - Artisans carve the design into shesham wood, creating separate blocks for each color and layer.
- Preparing the fabric - The cotton is washed, sun-dried, and treated with natural mordants to help dyes adhere.
- Mixing the dyes - Colors are made from plants, roots, and minerals - indigo leaves, madder roots, pomegranate rinds, and rusted iron.
- Printing the fabric - The block is dipped into dye and stamped by hand, one print at a time, using only the eye to align patterns.
- Drying and washing - The printed fabric is left to dry in the desert sun before being washed, ironed, and finished by hand.
The beauty of hand block printing lies in its imperfection - each print slightly different from the next, each telling its own quiet story.
Why we fell in love with block printing
Our journey with this craft began in India, in a small factory in Bagru.
We remember the first time we pressed a wooden block onto cotton - the texture, the rhythm, the slowness. It felt like meditation.
That’s how AATMA Studio was born: from the desire to preserve these ancient traditions while blending them with modern, minimalist aesthetics.
Our first line, the Shakti Collection, is a tribute to this heritage - a collection fully handmade in India, using natural pigments and the lightest cotton.
Every piece carries the essence of the craft: bold prints, simple shapes, and fabrics that breathe.
When you wear a block printed piece, you’re not just wearing a design.
You’re carrying a story — of craft, patience, and soul.
→ Discover the Shakti collection
Handmade in India, inspired by centuries of tradition, created with love and intention.
