Hand block printed cotton gets softer and more beautiful with every year of use. A little care keeps the colours bright and the stitching strong.
Bedsheets and pillow covers
- First wash: wash separately in cold water. A little colour may be released in the first few washes; this is normal for hand block prints.
- Washing: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Wash prints with prints and darks separately.
- Avoid: bleach, optical brighteners, harsh stain removers and soaking.
- Drying: dry in shade. Strong sunlight fades block prints faster than washing does.
- Ironing: iron on the reverse side on a warm setting, ideally while slightly damp.
Muslin razai (quilts)
- Cleaning: dry clean recommended. This protects the hand stitching and keeps the cotton filling even.
- Between cleans: air the quilt in shade every few weeks. Using a washable cover keeps it fresh for longer.
- Stains: blot (do not rub) with cold water and a little mild detergent, and keep spot cleaning away from the printed motif.
- Never wring or twist a quilt, and do not tumble dry on high heat.
Baby muslin razai
- Cleaning: dry clean only.
- Safety: for newborns, we suggest a thin cotton sheet between baby and quilt. Keep quilts away from the face while baby sleeps.
Storage
- Store only when clean and completely dry, in a cotton bag or cardboard box. Avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
- Refold quilts along different lines every few months so creases do not set.
What is normal for hand block work
Small variations in colour between repeats, slight shifts where blocks meet, and softening of colour over the first year are all part of handmade printing. They make each piece one of a kind.