Decorate with Block Printed Cotton Bed Sheets, Throws and Tapestries
Block printed bed linen from India has traveled far over the past decade. Consumers in western Europe, North America and Japan have embraced these eco-friendly products leading to an explosion in number of artisans involved in this wonderful art.
Various parts of India have evolved several block printing techniques over centuries. The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are large trading centers for block printed products. For the purposes of this article, focus is on hand block printing in the state of Rajasthan.
Hand block printing uses wood blocks (usually made of teak wood) along with eco-friendly vegetable and natural colors. Printing is done through the direct method (pressing the blocks dipped in dyes on the fabric) or resist printing process (such as Batik, that uses wax as a resist). Popular hand block printing styles from Rajasthan are the Sanganeri (printing on white background) and Bagru (printing on red or black background).
Major centers for hand block printing in Rajasthan include Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Each of these centers have certain subtleties in the block prints they create. As an example, the "Khari" technique which involves over-printing in gold over block printed motifs comes from the Barmer region.
 Cotton Wall Tapestry with Krishna & Radha motif |
 Cotton Bed Sheet with Elephant motif |
The two most common sizes for cotton bed sheets from India are Single (150cm x 220cm, 60" x 88") and Double (220cm x 270cm, 88" x 108"). Larger sizes for Cal King size beds are also available, though the number of patterns are far limited.
Almost always, the base fabric is a slightly coarse cotton fabric that allows the natural colors to be properly absorbed. The range of motifs is simply mind-boggling and includes floral, creepers, camels, elephants, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, peacocks, mandala motifs, wedding processions, tribal geometric and abstract among many.
While block printed bed sheets have been popular, over the past few years block printed pillow covers, table cloths and curtains have gained popularity. These multipurpose bed sheets find several creative uses - as Tapestries to enhance the wall, on a couch, as Throws, to decorate ceilings and as window scarfs!
In terms of care, hand wash in cold water is preferred. Vegetable colors retain their lustre for a long time when properly cared for.
Click here to view our entire range of Cotton bed sheets, bed covers and cotton wall tapestries from Rajasthan in India.
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