Bahe Kurtiz · Style guide

Hand Block Print vs Screen Print: How to Tell the Difference

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How to tell real hand block printing from screen or digital prints – five simple checks, and why the small 'imperfections' matter.

What is hand block printing?

In hand block printing, a karigar (artisan) presses a hand-carved wooden block, dipped in colour, onto fabric – again and again, along a long padded table.

1. Look for tiny variations

In a real block print, the same motif will look very slightly different each time – a little lighter here, a slightly thicker line there. Screen and digital prints look perfectly identical.

2. Check where the motifs meet

Where one stamp meets the next, you may see a faint overlap or a tiny gap. This is the mark of a hand-placed block.

3. Look at the back of the fabric

Block printing colour usually soaks through the fabric, so the back shows the design clearly. Many digital prints look pale or blank on the back.

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Mint Green Hand Block Print Cotton Kurta Pant Dupatta Set with Hand Work Yoke

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Navy Floral Hand Block Print Cotton Maxi Dress

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How to tell real hand block printing from screen or digital prints – five simple checks, and why the small 'imperfections' matter.

BAHE KURTIZ