How to Spot Authentic Block Print Fabrics: Key Tips to Identify Real vs. Fake
How to Identify Real vs. Fake Indian Block Print Fabric
Block Print Fabric Guide 2024
Do you want to learn how to spot genuine block printing techniques so you can buy real Indian block printed fabrics?
You're in the right place!
The first time I went to India, I was enamored by all of the different patterns and colors I saw women wearing.
First photo of me in India, jetlagged but happy:
As I wandered through different markets in different cities, I realized that all block printing was not created equal.
Block printed items are becoming increasingly popular here in the US. From linens to jackets to totes, block print fabric is popping up everywhere.
And for good reason, it's beautiful!!
Unfortunately, a lot of this block printing is fake.
Part of the charm with authentic block print is that it's made by human hands. Patterns are carved on wood blocks. Dye is put onto those woods blocks and then pressed onto the fabric. Repeat this enough and you get stunning pieces of work.
However, with current technology block printed patterns can now be replicated by computers.
If you don't know what to look for, you can be sold a block printed piece that is implied to be hand made and artisanal, but isn't. Often, these pieces are over priced and aren't worth the money because they're made by computers rather than human hands.
So how can you tell the difference? How do you know what you're buying is real and what is fake? How can you become an expert in fake block print detection?
- Natural Dye Characteristics: Genuine hand block printed fabric often use natural dyes, which can result in subtle variations in color. These variations occur because natural dyes can be influenced by factors like fabric type and dyeing process, giving each piece a distinct, organic look.
- Subtle Imperfections: Authentic block prints may feature slight color inconsistencies or fading. These imperfections are part of the handmade process and add to the print’s character. For instance, you might notice slight color shifts or speckles that are absent in mass-produced versions.
- Hand-Stamped Variability: The process of hand-stamping block prints means that no two pieces are exactly alike. You might see small differences in the color intensity or pattern alignment from one print to another. This natural variation is a sign of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
This might be the most important thing to take note of:
Beware of Computer Screen Printing: Some computer screen-printed fabrics may intentionally add minor imperfections to mimic the look of real block prints. However, these "mistakes" are usually patterned and repetitive, unlike the random, unique inconsistencies of true hand-stamping. Examine the print closely—if the mistakes follow a discernible pattern or appear too uniform, it’s a sign of a machine-made print rather than a handcrafted one.
Notice how the corners don't match up perfectly? The patterns are slightly misplaced. The dye shades vary every so slightly.
This is how real block print looks. Perfectly imperfect.
This is what makes block print charming and alluring. When you look at it, you can tell that it was made by humans for humans. Years of tradition taught and passed down through generations. It has character and tells a story.
Now you're an expert on how to spot a real vs. fake block print!
Once you see it, you can't unsee how there is a huge difference between real and fake block print.
With love,
Alissa, Purple Cloth Collective