Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric

Ready to leave Jaipur with printed fabric? This family-run workshop is a calm, hands-on way to learn block printing, with small groups and expert help from Monty’s team. My favorite part is how much you actually do, from seeing blocks made to printing your own design, though the session can feel warm in Jaipur.

You’ll start by watching how carved wooden blocks and dyes work in real life, then you’ll print one or more items such as scarves, aprons, tote bags, napkins, or placemats. The class runs about two hours, and it is short, so come ready to focus and choose a pattern you like quickly.

Key highlights not to miss

• Small-group attention (capped at six for hands-on time) in a workshop setting that keeps the process personal
• Learn block making, dyeing, and quality checks from the people doing the work day to day
• Print your own fabric using wooden blocks and dyes in three different colours
• Watch the washing process that turns fresh prints into something you can take home
• Photos and videos are welcome as you learn from the team inside the workshop
• Upgrade for private round-trip transfers if you want less hassle getting there

Why hand block printing in Jaipur feels different

Jaipur has no shortage of crafts, but hand block printing is special because it is both creative and mechanical. You are not just buying something pretty. You are learning the steps that make the pattern repeat cleanly and look crisp on fabric.

I like that you get a real workshop view, not a staged demo. You move through the key parts of the process, from block carving basics to how dye gets mixed and used. And then you do the fun part: using the carved wooden blocks to print your own scarf or tote.

Finding S.P. ASSOCIATES and what the start feels like

The meeting point is S.P. ASSOCIATES (Led Light for Signages), F-86, A Kartarpura Industrial Area, Road No. 5, 22 Godam, Hawa Sadak, Sharma Colony, Bais Godam, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out the return.

Once you arrive, you’ll get oriented by the workshop team. This is also where you will hear a bit of context on how block printing fits into Jaipur textile culture. If you are photo-happy, this is a good time to set up your camera, because the workshop floor is active and you’ll be able to take photos and videos while people work.

The workshop flow: carving, dyes, and the quality-check line

Your tour centers on a family-run shop environment, where you watch locals follow the workflow that keeps prints consistent. The process starts with wooden carved blocks, which are made so the pattern prints in the same shape each time. You’ll learn what goes into the block making and what it means for the final look.

Next comes the dye side. You’ll be shown the different types of dyes used by the workshop and how they fit into the overall printing process. This part matters because printing is not just stamping. Dye choice and handling affect how the colour shows, how it stains the fabric, and how the print holds up after washing.

Then you get to the quality check area, where women are responsible for checking the finished products. This is a quietly impressive step to watch. You see how they inspect for consistent pattern edges, even colour, and overall finish quality. It is the practical counterpart to the artistry.

Learn the Chippa community process, then start designing

A big reason this class works so well is that you learn the process from the people who know it best. Your textile expert will explain the printing steps associated with the Chippa community, and you’ll also hear about the history and importance of this craft in Jaipur.

After the workshop walkthrough, you shift into your own design phase. The class is not about making something complicated. It is about understanding how the block prints behave and learning how to place them so your pattern reads clearly.

You also get to work with wooden carved blocks and dyes in three different colours. That gives you enough variety to make your item feel personal without turning the session into a complicated art project that takes all day.

Your hands-on printing session: scarf, apron, tote, napkin, placemat

By the end of the tour, you’ll print your own fabric items with help from the local artists. You can choose among scarves, aprons, tote bags, napkins, or placemats. In a hands-on class like this, choosing the item size up front helps. A longer scarf can take more repeated stamping, while smaller pieces like napkins can be a fast way to get a satisfying result.

Here is what makes the printing time feel good: the team supports you while still letting you experiment. Monty’s style, as I experienced it through the guidance you get, is patient and encouraging, and the workshop team helps you get results even if you are not artsy. The goal is a finished souvenir that looks like it came from a real print shop, not a rushed craft table.

Photo tip: take quick photos before you start printing, and then take a few in-progress shots once you have your layout. You’ll want proof of the process, and you’ll also appreciate it later when you remember which part created which part of the pattern.

After you print: why the washing process matters

Once the printing is done, you watch the washing process. That step is not just a formality. It is what helps the dye settle and the print look right on the fabric.

Seeing the washing also gives you a sense of what you are actually buying when you purchase block-printed textiles in Jaipur. The work does not end when the block touches the cloth. There’s finishing, rinsing, and cleaning that makes the print wearable and more colour-stable.

Then you carry your printed piece home as your own souvenir. That is the best part of this whole experience. Most classes teach something theoretical. This one gives you something you can touch, wash as needed, and keep as a memory.

Adding custom clothing and shopping inside the workshop

If you want to go beyond the standard souvenir, you can request customised clothes made by the skilled tailors at the workshop. The option is there, but you should know it is a request, not a guaranteed turnaround for every style. Still, it’s a smart way to use what you learn about patterns and dye choices.

There is also a quality shopping option. Some people enjoy browsing the warehouse storeroom after the experience, where you can see how finished items compare to what you made. Even if you do not plan to buy much, stepping through the shop after printing helps you notice details you might otherwise miss, like how edges are aligned and how colour density looks across the fabric.

Price and time: does $35 feel worth it?

At $35 per person for about two hours, this class is good value because it includes what most DIY workshops charge extra for. You get fabric and hand blocks provided for printing, plus bottled water, and all fees and taxes are included. You are also paying for instruction and the workshop access, including the parts many visitors only get to peek at from the outside.

Two hours is just enough time to learn the basics, make a real printed item, and still see how the shop finishes the work with washing and quality checks. The tradeoff is focus. You’ll want to arrive ready to choose your item, settle on a pattern idea, and commit to working through the steps instead of lingering too long.

If you hate time-boxed activities, you might feel rushed. If you enjoy practical learning and want a souvenir that is genuinely handmade, it is a sweet spot.

What to pack and what to wear in Jaipur heat

One practical consideration shows up in feedback: it tends to get hot. Wear light, comfortable summer clothing so you can stay focused during the workshop walkthrough and printing session.

Also, keep your hands in mind. You will be doing stamping work and handling printed fabric. If you are bringing a phone, keep it protected in your bag during the parts when you expect dye or water splashes, even if the team is careful.

If you plan to buy extra textiles, wear something comfortable for walking and handling folded items at the warehouse. The workshop environment is active, and you’ll want to be able to move without fuss.

Who this class suits best, and who should think twice

This is ideal if you want a hands-on Jaipur experience that goes beyond watching. You’ll enjoy it most if you like crafts, you enjoy repeatable processes, and you want a souvenir that you personally made with wooden carved blocks and dye.

It is also a good choice if you like learning from a small team in a real workshop setting. The group size is kept small, capped at six for personal attention, with an overall maximum of eight.

If you are uncomfortable with heat or you dislike structured, time-limited activities, you might find the two-hour format demanding. In that case, consider whether you can stay patient through the workshop steps before you print.

Quick FAQ about the experience

FAQ

How long is the Jaipur hand block printing class?

It runs about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the workshop?

You start at S.P. ASSOCIATES (Led Light for Signages), F-86, A Kartarpura Industrial Area, Road No. 5, 22 Godam, Hawa Sadak, Sharma Colony, Bais Godam, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006, India.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water, fabric and hand blocks for printing, and all fees and taxes are included.

What can I print during the session?

You can print items such as scarves, aprons, tote bags, napkins, or placemats.

Do I get to use dyes, and are there multiple colours?

Yes. You will use wooden carved blocks and dyes in three different colours.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is not included, but you can upgrade to include round-trip private transfers for convenience.

How big are the groups?

The experience is capped at a maximum of 8 travelers, with small groups capped at six for personal attention.

Can I take photos or videos?

Yes, you can take photos and videos of the artwork while you learn.

Will I see the washing step after printing?

Yes, you watch the washing process after printing.

Can I request customised clothing?

Yes, you can request customised clothes made by the skilled tailors at the workshop.

Should you book this Jaipur block printing class?

If you want a Jaipur souvenir with real meaning, this is an easy yes. You are not just observing, you are learning the steps and making a printed fabric piece yourself with wooden carved blocks and three dye colours. The small-group size, the quality-check walkthrough, and the chance to watch washing are the details that make it feel like you really understood the craft, not just sampled it.

If heat is a deal-breaker for you or you only want low-energy activities, consider your comfort level with workshop time. Otherwise, book it, go in curious, and pick an item size you can happily print within two hours.