The Beauty of the Block: Inside the Sustainable Block Printing Process Behind Our Cushions

At Humble Living, every cushion tells a story — not just of aesthetic charm, but of sustainable craftsmanship rooted in centuries-old tradition. That story begins with block printing, an artisanal technique that transforms plain fabric into vibrant, patterned pieces.

In this post, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore how our block printed cushions are made — from hand-carved wooden blocks to the finished textiles — and why this slow, intentional process aligns perfectly with our values of ethical homewares and sustainable living.

What is Block Printing?

Block printing is a traditional textile printing technique where designs are hand-carved into wooden blocks, dipped in natural dyes, and then stamped onto fabric — one impression at a time. This centuries-old art form originated in India and remains an integral part of local textile production today.

Unlike digital or mass-produced printing, block printing fabric is done by hand, giving each piece a one-of-a-kind quality. Small variations in the print are part of the charm and evidence of the human touch involved in every step.

Step-by-Step: The Sustainable Block Printing Process

Let’s dive into how our sustainable block printed cushions come to life:

1. Design & Carving the Block

The journey begins with our designers sketching intricate patterns inspired by nature, traditional motifs, and contemporary design. These sketches are transferred onto teak wood, where skilled artisans hand-carve each design. These block printing wood stamps can take hours or even days to perfect, depending on complexity.

2. Preparing the Fabric

We use high-quality, natural fabrics such as organic cotton or linen for our cushions. The fabric is washed and treated to ensure it's ready to absorb the dye evenly. This step is crucial for achieving crisp, long-lasting prints.

3. Natural Dyes & Pigments

We’re committed to sustainability, which means choosing eco-friendly dyes derived from plants and minerals. These low-impact dyes reduce water pollution and are safer for artisans and the environment.

4. Hand Block Printing

This is where the magic happens. Artisans carefully dip the wooden block into dye, then press it onto the fabric with precise pressure. For multicoloured patterns, a different block is carved and aligned for each layer — a true test of skill and patience.

5. Curing, Washing & Drying

Once the pattern is complete, the fabric is left to cure. It’s then washed to remove excess dye and set the colors, followed by sun-drying in open courtyards — an eco-friendly and energy-saving method.

6. Sewing into Cushions

Finally, the printed fabrics are cut, sewn, and finished into our signature Humble Living block printed cushion covers— each one a labour of love, tradition, and sustainability.

Why We Choose Block Printing

At Humble Living, we believe in beauty with purpose. Block printing is more than a technique; it’s a slow craft that supports local artisans, preserves cultural heritage, and ensures a smaller environmental footprint. Every block printed cushion cover we create is part of a wider movement toward ethical interiors and thoughtful homewares.

Shop the Collection

Looking to add timeless character to your space? Explore our curated collection of hand block printed cushions, made with care and designed to bring warmth and story into your home.