--- title: "Tharangini Handblock Printing Process | Authentic Heritage Textiles" description: "Discover the slow art of handblock printing at Tharangini. From hand-carved teak blocks to natural dye textiles, see how we create sustainable, heritage designs." canonical: https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/the-artisan-s-touch-our-process last_updated: 2025-09-12 --- # The Artisan's Touch: Our Process Tribe Verified · Since 1977 | Bangalore-based heritage studio By [Tharangini Studio](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio) · Shop at Studio in Sadashivnagar; Ships across India · ₹3,500 per saree (service only) (estimate) Part of [Artisanal Apparel & Textiles](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/gallery) Witness the journey of a textile, from the raw carving of seasoned teak blocks to the rhythm of natural dyeing. This is how we bring heritage to life, one meticulous layer at a time. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Watch the magic of a four-color floral design coming to life. This video shows the entire process, from the initial sketch and the meticulous carving of four separate blocks to the final layered print, where each color adds a new dimension to the sprawling pattern.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/afe647a6-69bc-4e82-8656-26590424607d) - ![The steady hand of a master artisan at work. Here, one of our printers carefully aligns a teak block to create a seamless pattern on a long stretch of fabric, a skill honed over decades of practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/017d5ed7-eb2b-4c76-81d5-663f00fd3f13) - ![The steady hand of a master artisan at work. Here, one of our printers carefully aligns a teak block to create a seamless pattern on a long stretch of fabric, a skill honed over decades of practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/50ce6adf-696f-492b-a7de-fdafcce17a2d) - [Video: The steady hand of a master artisan at work. Here, one of our printers carefully aligns a teak block to create a seamless pattern on a long stretch of fabric, a skill honed over decades of practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9240e78e-2a89-4b56-9870-32c41e126f72) - ![Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/028f23c5-7e2a-4460-8105-b5884dbda91a) - ![Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2d2f7fde-9a78-4472-b465-f7f26c3c168f) - ![Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6100d2a9-9b50-4ba9-b724-8962d3e63566) - [Video: Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1cb2823-c794-4d45-8557-231abf48ebf9) - ![Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a2b68d96-caba-4c70-9844-c5811ba2064b) - ![Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c80dfc41-9433-4cc6-befa-68ea44e14e0e) - [Video: Our commitment to sustainability starts with the very first step: carving the block. This video shows how our master carvers utilize every inch of the teak wood, skillfully fitting multiple designs onto a single piece to minimize waste.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f35556ea-a908-4878-bdd0-f458f861f3b1) - [Video: A look into our process for the 'Salt Cosmologies' project. This video shows our artisans using a traditional stone grinder to prepare natural dye ingredients, which were then used to dye and print over 500 meters of organic cotton.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e40f030d-8ba9-4f87-b88e-829209055b2f) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0cdd84ad-96cb-4697-8215-4d399c1feb35) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/182c023f-1f32-4656-b716-7162bdb775c8) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/329fcd83-9a48-4170-9b71-4cacda2aa2a3) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7ae5eb40-9851-4572-8166-930f6d2a3b43) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad23b573-1254-4850-93f1-0d2380220041) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b3a6c72a-cad3-4be2-82a8-035a264c2251) - ![The art of block carving requires immense precision. Here, a master carver uses a fine chisel to bring a new floral design to life on a piece of seasoned teak wood for a collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6a34640-1363-4696-a80e-cb74fdbfac0f) - ![The sounds and sights of our studio. This video captures our artisans hand-grinding myrobalan, a natural tannin used to fix colors, demonstrating the hands-on, organic processes that are central to our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bce4773-e343-468e-8945-e44704df7a32) - ![The sounds and sights of our studio. This video captures our artisans hand-grinding myrobalan, a natural tannin used to fix colors, demonstrating the hands-on, organic processes that are central to our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5371ff45-10a1-4662-9bde-17602ced1beb) - [Video: The sounds and sights of our studio. This video captures our artisans hand-grinding myrobalan, a natural tannin used to fix colors, demonstrating the hands-on, organic processes that are central to our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e949353-59e0-4074-9e5d-68db01c744ea) - ![The sounds and sights of our studio. This video captures our artisans hand-grinding myrobalan, a natural tannin used to fix colors, demonstrating the hands-on, organic processes that are central to our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b3bbc1a6-9779-4a60-97e7-edcd3c4e6bad) - [Video: We often use layering to add depth and dimension to our prints. This video shows how we first create a subtle base pattern with a kantha-stitch style block before overlaying it with vibrant, stylized floral motifs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd686285-8b97-42cb-9da5-7891382dcd03) - ![We love applying our traditional techniques to different fabrics. Here you can see the beautiful texture of a corduroy fabric being hand-printed using a natural resin discharge print method.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb7d9895-af01-49f5-ad25-2cfa3cfc08ca) - ![Our process is deeply connected to our natural surroundings. This length of light linen, block-printed with organic dyes, dries in the sun, its green foliage pattern blending beautifully with the trees in our garden studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/242209fe-016f-40b0-afb8-9920f396defa) - ![Freshly printed fabrics drying in our garden studio. This batch, featuring intricate patterns created with natural dyes and discharge printing techniques, was part of a workshop for a group of global textile enthusiasts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0ce1c95b-cb1d-45e1-a2ee-e61a414ee83c) - ![Freshly printed fabrics drying in our garden studio. This batch, featuring intricate patterns created with natural dyes and discharge printing techniques, was part of a workshop for a group of global textile enthusiasts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93d0c9d1-89d7-4bd6-93f2-c29b806a5301) - ![A close-up of a magical garden print custom-made for a client. This intricate design is a 7-part block print on organic cotton, created using the discharge printing technique with natural plant resins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1863fa45-bba1-416d-8d87-81c63ba510a0) - ![A close-up of a magical garden print custom-made for a client. This intricate design is a 7-part block print on organic cotton, created using the discharge printing technique with natural plant resins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6dd15a23-4855-4991-afc6-9bf09e2471c7) - ![A close-up of a magical garden print custom-made for a client. This intricate design is a 7-part block print on organic cotton, created using the discharge printing technique with natural plant resins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/87df1668-d704-46e8-a804-8a332f2ef8d4) - ![A close-up of a magical garden print custom-made for a client. This intricate design is a 7-part block print on organic cotton, created using the discharge printing technique with natural plant resins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b7ccac65-0ea8-474d-a2c9-095cc7aea2c3) - ![A look at the dyeing process for our collaboration with Somerset House. Here, our artisans are hand-dyeing over 500 meters of organic cotton in large vats, using natural dyes extracted from plants.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3d7f3a93-fd63-4d88-8148-9afbd1bf4ff1) - ![A look at the dyeing process for our collaboration with Somerset House. Here, our artisans are hand-dyeing over 500 meters of organic cotton in large vats, using natural dyes extracted from plants.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc8fe9f0-7705-4ab5-a66f-dbce16c0bda7) - ![A look at the dyeing process for our collaboration with Somerset House. Here, our artisans are hand-dyeing over 500 meters of organic cotton in large vats, using natural dyes extracted from plants.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d234ded8-be50-42c9-958d-d7d140431ddc) - ![A portrait of our master artisan, whose steady hands and decades of experience are the heart of our studio. This black and white shot captures the quiet dedication involved in the art of hand-block printing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/665b7170-54e4-4e88-9af4-967574b424fa) - ![A portrait of our master artisan, whose steady hands and decades of experience are the heart of our studio. This black and white shot captures the quiet dedication involved in the art of hand-block printing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7eeb8ab3-ea26-4727-8bb4-aeaf8d65b442) - ![A portrait of our master artisan, whose steady hands and decades of experience are the heart of our studio. This black and white shot captures the quiet dedication involved in the art of hand-block printing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/96af3a86-8f05-47aa-bf2b-8db2a42cc644) - ![A portrait of our master artisan, whose steady hands and decades of experience are the heart of our studio. This black and white shot captures the quiet dedication involved in the art of hand-block printing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bffbda21-63e5-4a2d-811d-783c3d0ed88c) - ![Our printing tables are always buzzing with creativity. Here, an artisan meticulously prints a bright yellow saree with an intricate border design, co-creating a one-of-a-kind piece for a special pop-up event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7366eaaa-66c4-462f-bc2f-cadf93977710) - ![Our printing tables are always buzzing with creativity. Here, an artisan meticulously prints a bright yellow saree with an intricate border design, co-creating a one-of-a-kind piece for a special pop-up event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5632e8bb-97a4-4c73-af5a-1415fac61c59) - ![Our printing tables are always buzzing with creativity. Here, an artisan meticulously prints a bright yellow saree with an intricate border design, co-creating a one-of-a-kind piece for a special pop-up event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3aab45b-9485-43e8-85aa-a4c81624a9e7) ## About The Artisan's Touch: Our Process Each pattern you see is built by layering multiple blocks, one colour at a time. What looks like a single print often requires distinct blocks and precise alignment, meaning a single saree can take over 50 hours of manual work. If you are curious about a specific design, ask us which blocks we used to create that exact depth. We keep our process slow by choice. Our studio is built on the belief that real quality comes from time and human attention, not shortcuts. We work with natural dyes—using fresh indigo, madder, and pomegranate—that we grind by hand in our studio space. This creates subtle variations in colour that machines simply cannot replicate. Our teak block archive, which dates back to the 1960s, is at the heart of everything we do. We do not just use these blocks; we protect them. Each block is seasoned and carved to ensure every print captures the original intent of the design. When a master carver works on a new block, they use every inch of the wood, fitting multiple motifs into a single piece to prevent waste. This approach ensures that our practice remains sustainable, just as it has been since we started in 1977. We also use discharge printing, a technique that embeds the colour into the fabric fiber rather than sitting on top of it. This ensures the design lasts as long as the fabric does. Whether we are printing on pure silk or organic cotton, the focus remains on the alignment of the blocks and the steady hand of the person at the printing table. When you see our work, you are seeing the result of decades of practice passed down from one generation to the next. ## About Tharangini Studio We are Tharangini, carrying forward a legacy in Sadashivnagar since 1977. My mother Lakshmi built this studio, and today, it is home to a team that pours heart into every print. [See all of Tharangini Studio's services](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio) ## More from Artisanal Apparel & Textiles by Tharangini Studio - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/featured) - [Our Handcrafted Sarees](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/our-handcrafted-sarees) - [Contemporary Apparel & Accessories](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/contemporary-apparel-accessories) - [A Legacy in Wood: The Block Archive](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/a-legacy-in-wood-the-block-archive) - [Our Artisan Family & Community](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/our-artisan-family-community) - [Global Reach & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/global-reach-collaborations) - [Join Us: Workshops & Events](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/join-us-workshops-events) - [Reviving Heirlooms: Saree Overprinting](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/reviving-heirlooms-saree-overprinting) - [Collection Spotlights](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/collection-spotlights) - [Additional Work & Studio Life](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/artisanal-apparel-textiles/additional-work-studio-life) ## More services by Tharangini Studio - [Custom Textile Development & Production](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/custom-textile-development-production) - [Block Printing Workshops & Experiences](https://mytribe.in/tharangini-studio/block-printing-workshops-experiences) ## Similar work from other experts - [The Art of Hand Block Printing: Our Process](https://mytribe.in/amoha-prints/custom-block-printing-for-brands/the-artisan-s-journey-from-wood-to-fabric) by Amoha Prints · Custom Block Printing for Brands · Visit studio in Doddanekkundi; Ships custom orders across India - [Block Printing Workshops in Mysuru](https://mytribe.in/color-ashram-foundation/natural-dyeing-workshops-training/the-art-of-block-printing) by Color Ashram · Natural Dyeing Workshops & Training · Attend at Hebbal Studio, Mysuru or in Bengaluru - [The Science and History Behind Natural Indian Crafts](https://mytribe.in/en_madtidiya/eco-art-craft-workshops/a-deeper-dive-into-our-craft) by En Madtidiya · Eco-Art & Craft Workshops · Travels to your location, cafes, or parks across Bengaluru - [The Art of Craft: Our Slow-Made Process](https://mytribe.in/rangsutracrafts/handcrafted-gifts-accessories/the-art-of-craft-our-process) by Rangsutra Crafts · Handcrafted Gifts & Accessories · Ships across India; Visit stores in New Delhi and Bikaner - [Handcrafted Natural Art and Sustainable Ayurvastra Textiles](https://mytribe.in/dyehome/handcrafted-sustainable-art-decor/featured) by Dyehome · Handcrafted Sustainable Art & Decor · Ships across India - [The Heart of the Craft: Our Artisans & Process](https://mytribe.in/varnam-craft-collective/corporate-gifting/the-heart-of-the-craft-our-artisans-process) by Varnam Craft Collective · Corporate Gifting · Stores in Bengaluru, Mysuru & Goa; Ships across India ## Book To book Tharangini Studio, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Tharangini%2C%20I%20love%20the%20block%20printing%20process%20shown%20on%20the%20website.%20I%20have%20a%20question%20about%20the%20work%20for%20The%20Artisan's%20Touch%3A%20Our%20Process.)