Hand Block Printed Sarees – Cotton, Tussar & Chiffon

Hand Block Printed Sarees - FAQs

What is a hand block printed saree?

A hand block printed saree is printed by pressing hand-carved wooden blocks dipped in dye onto fabric, one block at a time. Each saree is unique - slight natural variations in alignment and colour are the mark of genuine handmade work, unlike screen or digital printed sarees which are identical across pieces.

What is the difference between hand block printing and screen printing?

Hand block printing uses individually carved wooden blocks pressed onto fabric by hand. Screen printing uses a mesh stencil and is largely mechanised. Hand block printed sarees have slight natural variations that screen printed sarees do not - this is what makes each piece one of a kind.

Which fabric should I choose - cotton, tussar silk or chiffon?

Cotton hand block printed sarees are best for daytime wear, warm weather, and everyday use - they are breathable, easy to drape, and hold dyes well. Tussar silk has a natural texture and takes dyes in deeper, richer tones - ideal for festive occasions and gifting. Chiffon is lightweight and fluid with a contemporary feel - suited for evening events and parties. Mulberry silk is the most lustrous option, reserved for special occasions.

How do I style a hand block printed cotton saree?

Cotton hand block printed sarees pair well with solid colour blouses in contrast tones - a deep indigo saree with a mustard or rust blouse, or an off-white saree with a black or navy blouse. Keep jewellery simple - oxidised silver or brass works best with block print fabrics. For footwear, kolhapuris or juttis complement the handcrafted aesthetic. Avoid heavy embroidered blouses as they compete with the print.

How do I style a hand block printed tussar silk saree?

Tussar silk hand block printed sarees have a natural, textured drape that suits both formal and festive occasions. Pair with a silk or raw silk blouse in a matching or tonal shade. Gold jewellery works particularly well with the earthy tones of tussar. For a contemporary look, try a fitted high-neck blouse or a sleeveless blouse in a contrast colour picked from the print.

What occasions are hand block printed sarees suitable for?

Cotton hand block printed sarees are well suited for office wear, college functions, day events, mehendi and haldi ceremonies, and casual outings. Tussar silk and mulberry silk versions work for festive occasions, pujas, weddings, and evening gatherings. Chiffon hand block printed sarees are a good choice for cocktail events and evening parties.

Are the colours in hand block printed sarees colourfast?

Yes, after the first 2-3 washes the colours stabilise. A cold water first wash with a teaspoon of salt helps set the dyes faster and prevents bleeding in subsequent washes.

How should I care for a hand block printed saree?

Hand wash separately in cold water. Do not soak for more than 5 minutes. Avoid wringing - gently squeeze out water. Dry in shade away from direct sunlight to preserve print colours. Iron on the reverse side at low to medium heat. Dry clean is recommended for tussar silk and mulberry silk pieces.

What makes Inheritance India different from other block print brands?

Most block print brands source printed fabric from printing clusters. Inheritance India, run by Yusuf Khatri and Nuzhat Khatri, produces their own carved wooden blocks in-house - giving them direct control over design, quality, and authenticity that most brands cannot match.

Explore our complete block printed sarees collection featuring hand block printed sarees from multiple brands, or discover the rich handwoven tradition in our Odisha weaves sarees collection.