Handloom and block-printed textiles. How India makes them.
Handloom and block-printed textiles are best sourced from Jaipur–Sanganer–Bagru and Kutch for block printing, and Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Chanderi and Cuttack–Sambalpur for handloom, with Lucknow for chikankari and Amritsar for phulkari. Buyers source fabrics, scarves, stoles, quilts and made-ups with a handmade finish.
- 7
- process steps
- 8
- mapped clusters
- 5208
- typical HS heading
- Clusters for this product
- Other clusters
How it is made, in 7 steps.
The sequence Indian factories follow, from raw material to an approved part ready to ship.
- Yarn preparationCotton, silk or wool yarn dyed or tie-resisted for ikat
- Handloom weavingWoven on pit or frame looms
- Fabric preparationScouring and mordanting for printing
- Hand block printingWooden blocks printed by hand with natural or pigment dyes
- Fixing & washingSteaming, sun-drying and washing
- Embroidery & stitchingHand embroidery or made-up stitching
- Inspection & packingColour and defect checks
What buyers plan around.
- Typical HS heading
- 5208 (cotton fabric), 5007 (silk fabric), 6214 (shawls and scarves), 6304 (furnishings)
Check 5208 in the HS code finder - Lead time
- Samples 2–4 weeks, production 6–10 weeks
- India's edge
- India has the world's largest handloom sector and living craft traditions, many protected by GI registration.
- Process families
The clusters that make it.
Listed in the order buyers usually start. Each page covers the nearest ports and neighbouring clusters.
Tests we plan for.
The checks that usually sit in the inspection plan for this product. We agree the final list with you against your drawing and market.
How our inspections work- Colour fastness (washing, rubbing, light)
- Azo dyes and restricted substances
- Shrinkage
- Fibre composition
- Visual check against approved sample
Straight answers.
Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.
anirudh@sourcesquid.coHow do I know a textile is genuinely handmade?
Look for the Handloom Mark or India Handloom Brand, visit or video-audit the workshops, and expect small irregularities.
Can block printing use natural dyes?
Yes. Bagru and Kutch Ajrakh printers use natural dyes such as indigo, madder and iron-based black.
What quantities are possible?
Block printing starts from a few hundred metres per design; handloom capacity depends on the number of weavers engaged.
Get a free teardown for your handloom and block-printed textiles.
Send one drawing, photo or quote. Within 48 hours we return how it is made, the best-fit Indian clusters and a realistic target price.