Hand block-printed cotton is made to be used, not saved for "good." Looked after simply, it doesn't just last, it gets better, softening and settling with every wash. Here's everything you need to know, start to finish.
How do I wash block-print cotton for the first time?
The first wash matters most, because it sets the dye.
- Wash cold, on its own, the first time.
- Add half a cup of white vinegar to the water; it fixes the dye and stops any bleeding.
- Soak for about 30 minutes, then run a gentle cycle (or rinse by hand).
- Air dry in the shade, not direct sun.
A little colour in that first rinse is normal for naturally dyed cotton; the vinegar keeps it to a minimum. After the first wash, it's settled.
How should I wash it after that?
- Machine wash at 30 to 40°C with similar colours.
- Use a mild detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener (softener coats the fibres and dulls the print).
- Tumble dry low or line dry in shade.
Cotton like this is forgiving. The more you use it, the softer it gets.
Will the colours fade?
Not if you keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, the one thing natural dyes don't love. Wash cool, dry in shade, and the colours stay rich for years. Fading comes from sun and harsh chemicals, not from ordinary use.
How do I iron block print?
Warm iron, on the reverse side. Ironing the back keeps the print crisp and protects the surface. A little steam helps cotton relax.
How should I store it?
Cotton prefers to breathe. Store it cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, and fold loosely rather than packing it tight. If you're storing seasonally, avoid plastic; a cotton bag or open shelf is kinder to the cloth.
What about a loose thread or slight unevenness?
Both are normal on handmade cloth. If you find a loose thread on a hand-stitched edge, clip it with scissors, don't pull it. And the faint drift you sometimes see between printed repeats is the mark of a hand-carved block, not a flaw. It's the evidence that a person made this.
The short version
Wash cold with a splash of vinegar the first time; mild detergent and no softener after; dry in shade; warm iron on the reverse; store loosely out of the sun. That's it.
Every piece comes with these notes, and our full Care Guide is always a click away. Browse new arrivals or read how our cloth is made.
Own something real.
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