Block-printing wooden blocks

Indian Wooden Printing Blocks: The Ancient Art of Block Printing

Block printing is an ancient Indian textile art that involves printing patterns on fabric or paper using hand-carved wooden blocks. Each wooden printing block is a true work of art, carved with precision by specialized artisans who perpetuate a craft passed down through generations. Our unique collection brings together traditional Indian patterns and original creations, including exclusive Alsatian designs, for all your creative projects.

The history of Indian block printing

Block printing dates back over 3000 years in India, particularly in the Rajasthan and Gujarat regions. This artisanal printing technique made Indian textiles famous worldwide, notably with the celebrated printed fabrics of Jaipur and Sanganer. Traditional blocks were carved from teak or sheesham wood (Indian rosewood), resistant and durable species that allow exceptional precision in details.

Even today, Indian artisans perpetuate this tradition by hand-carving each block with traditional tools. The process of making a complex block can take several days of meticulous work. It is this patience and artisanal know-how that give each block its unique character and exceptional quality.

Our printing block collections

Our catalog offers a wide range of patterns to meet all your creative needs:

Botanical patterns - Flowers, leaves and plants

Our botanical collection celebrates the beauty of nature with flower, leaf, branch and plant patterns. Delicate and elegant designs perfect for creating romantic fabrics, refined gift wrap or natural wall decorations. Ideal for bohemian textile projects, floral notebooks or country home decoration.

Geometric patterns

Geometric patterns offer structured and modern designs: mandalas, abstract shapes, repetitive patterns, decorative borders. These blocks are perfect for creating contemporary graphic compositions on textile or paper. Perfect for modern sewing, scrapbooking projects or clothing customization.

Exclusive Alsatian patterns

A unique collection that bridges India and Alsace! Our Alsatian blocks represent emblematic symbols of the region: storks, half-timbered houses, pretzels, Alsatian hearts, Christmas trees. These exclusive creations, carved specially for Table Indienne, celebrate Alsatian heritage with Indian artisanal technique. Perfect for original regional gifts or authentic Christmas decorations.

Animals

Blocks representing fauna in all its diversity: birds, butterflies, elephants, fish, insects. Ideal for children's projects, children's room decoration, or creating playful and poetic textiles.

Fruits and vegetables

Delicious and colorful patterns representing fruits and vegetables. Perfect for decorating kitchen towels, creating personalized shopping bags, or adding a fresh touch to your textile projects.

Christmas

A festive collection to celebrate the holiday season: trees, snowflakes, stars, winter patterns. Create your own gift wrap, Christmas textile decorations, handmade greeting cards or customize your tablecloths and napkins for the holidays.

Everything for the home

Various decorative patterns to beautify your interior: ornamental borders, repetitive patterns, corner designs, monograms. Perfect for personalizing your home textiles (tablecloths, curtains, cushions) or creating unique wall decorations.

How to use our printing blocks?

The creative possibilities with printing blocks are endless:

Textile printing

Create your own printed fabrics for sewing, clothing customization, making bags, cushions, tablecloths, curtains. Use permanent textile inks for a wash-durable result. Cotton and linen are ideal supports for block printing.

Paper printing

Make unique gift wrap, handmade greeting cards, personalized notebooks, decorative posters. Acrylic or water-based inks are perfect for paper.

Wall decoration

Print directly on your walls with acrylic paint to create friezes, repetitive patterns or artistic wall compositions. An economical and original alternative to wallpaper.

Scrapbooking and creative hobbies

Embellish your photo albums, travel journals, diaries or mixed media projects. Small blocks are perfect for adding decorative details.

Educational projects

Ideal for creative workshops with children, art education, or discovering traditional printing techniques.

Basic block printing technique

1. Prepare your surface: Wash and iron fabric to remove sizing. For paper, ensure it's flat
2. Apply ink: Use an ink roller or sponge to apply ink evenly on the block. Don't overload
3. Position and press: Place the block on your support and press firmly and evenly on entire surface
4. Lift gently: Remove the block by lifting vertically to avoid smudges
5. Repeat: Let dry between impressions if layering colors
6. Fix the print: For textile, iron with hot iron according to your ink instructions

Tips for successful printing

• Test first: Practice on a piece of fabric or paper before printing on your final project
• Firm surface: Work on a table covered with several layers of fabric or felt for good pressure
• Regular inking: Reapply ink evenly on the block between each print
• Plan your composition: Lightly trace in pencil the layout of your patterns before printing
• Clean immediately: Wash your blocks with warm soapy water right after use to preserve the carving
• Layer colors: Create rich effects by printing multiple blocks with different colors

Care and storage of your blocks

To keep your printing blocks quality for years:

• Clean carefully after each use with warm water and soft brush
• Dry completely before storing to prevent mold
• Store flat or upright in a dry place, away from humidity
• Occasionally oil the wood with vegetable oil to nourish it
• Handle with care to preserve carved details

Our block printing workshops

Want to learn the block printing technique? We regularly organize block printing workshops in Wittisheim, Alsace. Mihika introduces you to this ancient Indian art and guides you step by step to create your own textile prints. You leave with your creations and the knowledge to continue at home!

Check our Workshops page to know upcoming dates and book your spot.

Why choose our printing blocks?

• Authentic craftsmanship: Each block is hand-carved by specialized Indian artisans
• Quality wood: Carved from sheesham (Indian rosewood) or teak, durable and precise woods
• Unique designs: Exclusive collection including Alsatian patterns found nowhere else
• Fair trade: Fair compensation for Indian artisans
• Durability: With proper care, your blocks will last decades
• Versatility: Usable on textile, paper, wood, walls and many other supports

Creative project ideas

Let your creativity run free:

• Create unique tote bags for shopping or gifts
• Personalize t-shirts, aprons or home linens
• Make unique gift wrap for memorable presents
• Decorate your walls with friezes or wall compositions
• Make handmade greeting cards for all occasions
• Customize your curtains, tablecloths, cushions for a unique interior
• Create handmade Christmas decorations with our festive blocks

The bridge between two cultures

Table Indienne was born from the meeting between Mihika, from Mumbai, and Alsace. Our printing blocks perfectly embody this dual identity: traditional Indian craftsmanship serving patterns that also celebrate Alsatian heritage. It's this unique fusion that makes our collection original and allows creating truly unique textile objects.

Delivery

Fast delivery throughout France, DOM/TOM and Europe, with Colissimo, Mondial Relay and Chronopost. Order prepared within 24 to 48 hours. Blocks are carefully packaged to arrive in perfect condition. See the Delivery and shipping page for more information.