Dip dyeing is the art of gently immersing fabric into successive baths of color. This technique embodies a more instinctive, artistic approach, where mastery of movement lies at the heart of the process.
PREPARING THE FABRIC
The fabric is carefully prepared, and sometimes pre-moistened to ensure even color absorption. It is then hung, folded, or tied depending on the desired gradient or pattern.
IMMERSION IN DYE BATHS
Wooden blocks are meticulously placed and secured on the fabric to create resist areas. These elements act as barriers, preventing the dye from reaching certain parts of the cloth and shaping precise patterns.
The fabric is then hand-dipped into dye baths, one layer at a time. Artisans adjust the depth of immersion, the duration of contact with the dye, and the layering of colors to create gradients that follow the intended design. The transitions between hues follow no strict rules, giving each piece its own unique and distinctive character.
FIXING AND DRYING
Once the dyeing is complete, the fabric is rinsed to remove excess pigment and then fixed to ensure long-lasting colors. Drying, usually done in the open air, allows the shades to fully develop and reveal their intensity.
Block printing, also known as frame printing or artisanal screen printing, involves applying patterns onto fabric using a frame stretched with a fine mesh. This method demands precision and expertise — every movement of the artisan contributes to the richness and uniqueness of the final result.
PREPARING THE FABRIC
The fabric is carefully washed and stretched on long tables to eliminate impurities and ensure a smooth surface. This step guarantees even pigment adhesion and optimal precision during motif application.
PREPARING THE FRAMES
Each frame consists of a wooden structure over which a fine mesh (cotton, wool, or silk) is stretched. The design is engraved onto the mesh beforehand, either through a photo-chemical process or with a stencil. These frames act as templates, allowing the color to pass through only in designated areas.
APPLYING THE COLORS
Artisans position the frame over the fabric and gently apply the colored paste. Using a squeegee, the color is pressed through the mesh to imprint the pattern onto the fabric. This operation is repeated for each color and each design element, requiring precise alignment (known as registration) to achieve multi-colored prints with accuracy.
FIXING AND DRYING
Once the printing is complete, the fabric is dried in the open air or under sunlight. The colors are then fixed using steam baths or controlled heat to ensure long-lasting wear. The result reveals vibrant patterns — a true testament to the patience and skill of the artisans.
Cotton, an exceptional natural fiber, is renowned for its softness, lightness, and breathability. Cultivated for millennia, it is deeply rooted in Indian textile craftsmanship. Handcrafted by artisans whose skills are passed down from generation to generation, Indian cotton is distinguished by a unique and recognizable weave, giving it an authentic and singular character.
Some of our fabrics also benefit from a special treatment: the cotton is gently brushed on one side at the end of the weaving process. This technique creates a slightly fluffy surface that adds a comforting feel while acting as a thin protective barrier against the cold. The result is a fabric that is lightweight, breathable, and durable.
Wool, a natural fiber with thermoregulating properties, offers unmatched comfort in every season: it retains warmth in winter and remains surprisingly cool in summer. In India, artisans work wool by blending it with other natural fibers. This subtle combination enriches the material with soft shades and natural color palettes, creating unique blended effects that make each piece singular.
Some of our scarves are made from boiled wool, a technique that involves washing the fabric after weaving. This process tightens the fibers and adds more texture and density to the material while preserving its lightness. Naturally self-cleaning, wool requires little maintenance and retains its freshness over time, true to the traditional craftsmanship that shaped it.
Silk, a noble material par excellence, is prized for the fineness of its fibers, the quality of its drape, and the unique depth it imparts to colors. Carefully worked, it reveals subtle and elegant nuances, while avoiding an overly shiny appearance thanks to special washes that give it a more discreet and refined sheen.
We have chosen to work with silk crepe, a slightly textured variant that combines suppleness and character. More durable than smooth silk, it offers impeccable structure and incomparable comfort, embodying the perfect balance between lightness and strength. Each piece thus expresses the delicate craftsmanship of the artisans who shape it.
