There’s something magical about wearing a Jaipuri block print suit. It’s not just the intricate patterns or the vibrant colors — it’s the story woven into every inch of the fabric. Behind every block-printed motif lies hours of craftsmanship, generations of tradition, and the soulful dedication of artisans.
At Label Kalwa, we believe in honoring this legacy. In this blog, we take you behind the scenes to show you how your favorite Jaipuri block print suit set is made — from a hand-carved block to the finished product in your wardrobe.
Step 1: The Wooden Block – Where Art Begins
The journey of a block print suit starts not with fabric, but with wood.
The Carving Process
Skilled artisans carve intricate designs into teak wood blocks. Each block is designed to represent a motif — it could be a floral pattern, paisley, geometric design, or traditional Mughal-inspired artwork. These artisans often come from families that have passed down the skill for generations.
The process is slow and requires immense precision. One small slip can ruin hours of carving. A single design might require 3–4 separate blocks (one for each color layer).
Step 2: Preparing the Natural Dyes and Fabric
Once the blocks are ready, it’s time to prepare the canvas — your cotton or modal fabric — and the colors that will bring the patterns to life.
1. Fabric Selection
At Label Kalwa, we mostly use pure cotton, mulmul, or modal fabric — lightweight, breathable materials that are perfect for daily wear. The fabric is pre-washed and soaked in water to remove starch or chemicals that could interfere with the dye absorption.
2. Natural & AZO-Free Dyes
The colors used in traditional block printing are often made from natural pigments or AZO-free chemical dyes. Common natural ingredients include:
l Indigo (blue)
l Turmeric (yellow)
l Pomegranate peels (mustard)
l Madder root (red)
The dye has to be mixed to the perfect consistency — too thin, and it will spread; too thick, and it won’t stamp properly.
Step 3: Hand Block Printing – The Heart of the Craft
This is the most crucial and mesmerizing step — printing the fabric by hand, block by block, layer by layer.
The Process
The artisan dips the wooden block in dye and carefully stamps it onto the fabric. This is done manually, one print at a time. There’s no machinery involved. Every press of the block must be:
Ø Even in pressure
Ø Perfectly aligned
Ø Consistent in color
If the design has multiple colors, the process is repeated with different blocks for each color, with careful alignment to maintain pattern integrity.
This step can take several hours depending on the fabric length and design complexity. It requires patience, rhythm, and a deep familiarity with the art.
Step 4: Drying & Fixing the Print
After printing, the fabric is laid out under the sun to dry naturally. This helps the dye settle into the fibers.
Fixing the Colors
To make sure the colors don’t fade or bleed, the fabric is:
Ø Steamed or boiled in large vats (traditional method)
Ø Washed in cold water
Ø Dried again for final setting
This is a crucial part of the sustainability of hand-block prints — the process uses minimal chemicals and relies on sunlight, air, and water.
Step 5: Cutting, Stitching & Finishing
Once the printed fabric is ready, it’s sent to the tailoring unit.
Creating Suit Sets
At this stage, we cut and stitch the fabric into ready-to-wear suit sets, which include:
Kurta (straight, A-line, anarkali, or angrakha style)
Pants (straight, palazzo, or salwar)
Coordinated dupattas (printed or dyed)
Every suit set at Label Kalwa is stitched by skilled tailors who understand both comfort and fit. We aim for tailored yet relaxed silhouettes, ideal for office wear or everyday comfort.
The pieces are ironed, checked for quality, and prepared for final packaging.
Step 6: From Kalwa to Your Closet
The last step is the most rewarding — seeing our handcrafted suits reach the homes and hearts of customers across India.
Whether it’s for:
Your everyday office wear
A family brunch
A festive celebration
Or just a “feel good” day at home...
Our suit sets are made to offer style, comfort, and culture — all in one package.
Why It Matters: Celebrating Handcrafted Heritage
Wearing a block print suit isn’t just about fashion — it’s about embracing a story that’s centuries old.
Ø By choosing handmade over machine-made, you’re:
Ø Supporting local artisans and preserving their skills
Ø Encouraging sustainable fashion
Ø Wearing garments that are truly one-of-a-kind
Ø Embracing India’s rich textile heritage
At Label Kalwa, we are committed to keeping this craft alive. What started as a home-based business is now a thriving small-scale label with our own printing and stitching unit, all powered by passion and purpose.
Final Thoughts: Slow Fashion is Soulful Fashion
In a world of mass production, fast trends, and disposable clothing — block print suits stand tall as symbols of slowness, beauty, and timelessness.
So, the next time you wear a Label Kalwa Jaipuri suit, know that it:
Ø Wasn’t made in a rush
Ø Didn’t come from a factory conveyor belt
Ø And wasn’t just printed — it was crafted, by hand, with love
The Making of a Jaipuri Block Print Suit: From Hand Block to Your Wardrobe