Hand block-printed textiles are made from natural fibres and, where possible, natural or azo-free dyes — which means they need a slightly gentler routine than a synthetic tablecloth off a big-box shelf. None of it is complicated. Here's exactly what to do.
Before the first wash
Natural dyes settle into fabric during the initial washes more than synthetic dyes do. Wash your new piece separately (or with similar colours) the first one or two times, in cold water, so any minor dye release doesn't transfer onto lighter fabrics.
Washing
- Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water is the single biggest cause of premature fading in naturally dyed textiles.
- Choose a mild, colour-safe detergent. Skip anything with bleach, optical brighteners, or heavy enzymes.
- Hand wash or gentle machine cycle. A delicate cycle suits napkins and tablemats; hand washing keeps larger pieces like a runner or tablecover looking sharpest longest.
- Don't soak for hours. A short soak is fine; an overnight soak isn't necessary and can lift more dye than intended.
Drying
Air dry out of direct sunlight — sunlight speeds up fading, so dry indoors or in shade. Skip the high-heat dryer setting if you can; a low-heat tumble or flat air dry preserves both the print and the natural texture of the fabric.
Ironing and storage
Iron on the reverse side, on a low-to-medium setting, if you iron at all — block print sits on the surface of the fabric, and ironing from the back protects it from direct heat. Store folded in a dry space away from prolonged direct light; cotton and linen breathe, so avoid sealing pieces in plastic for long-term storage.
About colour variation and gentle fading
A few things are normal, not signs your piece is defective: slight colour differences between two of the same product (dye is mixed by hand in small batches), gentle softening of colour over time, and a faint, slightly uneven edge to the print itself, since every stamp is placed by hand. If you ever see something that looks more like true bleeding or damage rather than gradual, even softening, reach out via our Contact page.
Quick reference
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Cold/lukewarm water | Hot water |
| Mild, colour-safe detergent | Bleach or optical brighteners |
| Air dry in shade | Direct sun or high heat |
| Iron on reverse, low heat | Ironing directly on the print |
| Wash separately, first 1-2 washes | Long overnight soaks |
Frequently asked questions
Will the natural dye bleed every time I wash it?
Minor dye release is most common in the first one or two washes and settles down after that; washing separately at first is the simplest precaution.
Can I put block-printed linens in the dryer?
A low-heat tumble is generally fine, but air drying in shade will keep the print looking sharp for longer.
Why does my tablecloth look slightly lighter than when I bought it?
Gentle softening of colour over time is expected with natural dyes and natural fibres — it's part of how the piece ages, not a sign of damage.
What should I do if I notice real colour bleeding, not just fading?
Reach out through our Contact page and we'll help you sort out what's going on.
Treated this way, a hand block-printed piece — whether it's a napkin, a cushion cover, or a baby quilt — is built to soften and age gracefully for years, not just survive a season.