A Day in the Studio: Sampling Block Prints for Arras

A Day in the Studio: Sampling Block Prints for Arras

Every piece at Arras tells a story, not just through its design but through the care and artistry involved in its creation. From the moment I first decided to experiment with block printing, I knew it was something that would resonate with our commitment to traditional craft and sustainability. Today, I’m excited to share with you a behind-the-scenes look at a day spent sampling a block print, the technique that brings our textiles to life. We're sampling our best-selling Orchid print, inspired by the delicate beauty of the Cymbidium orchid. This print has quickly become a favourite among our customers all over the world, and it’s been a pleasure to bring it to life, from sketch to finished garment.

From Sketch to Wooden Block: Creating the Orchid Print

The journey of our Orchid print begins with a simple sketch. As Arras tells the story of Northeast India, many elements in our design process are inspired by the region's rich cultural and natural landscape. The idea for this floral print was drawn from the Cymbidium orchid, the state flower of Sikkim.

The block carving is a meticulous process—each detail has to be carefully etched into the wood by hand. A computer-aided design (CAD) is created for the running surface print, ensuring precision and repeatability. This design is then handed over to the carver, who carefully traces it onto a wooden block as a guide before beginning the intricate carving process.The level of craftsmanship required is impressive, and it always amazes me how much patience and precision go into creating a block that can withstand years of use. Once the block is carved, it’s ready for the next stage.

Printing on Soft Cambric Cotton: Bringing the Print to Life

Our Orchid print is featured on our bestselling maxi dress and kurta, which are made from soft, breathable cambric cotton. The printing process is where the magic happens. The carved block is dipped into natural dye and pressed onto the fabric, creating a crisp, clear design. The result is a lightweight, flow-y fabric that’s perfect for summer.

What our customers love about this print is how it remains non-transparent even after the dyeing process, making it easy to wear without a slip. The comfort of the fabric combined with the elegant, floral print has made this dress a beloved wardrobe staple for many. The design has found its way into wardrobes all over the world, and it’s rewarding to see how a simple orchid-inspired pattern can connect so many people.

The Next Step: Expanding the Orchid Collection

As much as we love the blue Orchid print, we’re always looking to evolve and expand. We’re now planning to offer this dress in more colours, so I’ve started researching new dye possibilities before heading to our artisan studio. The idea of experimenting with colours is exciting—there are literally millions of possibilities! But, we must focus.

This time, we are leaning towards deep, rich colours that will complement the softness of the cambric cotton. The aim is to create a new, luxurious range that still feels light and wearable. Whether it’s a deep plum, emerald green, or a warm ochre, these colours will add a new dimension to the Orchid print, offering more choices for our customers without losing the essence of the original design.

Preparing the Materials

The day starts with preparing the materials. The sampling fabric is typically a more affordable cotton material, carefully pinned along the edges of the printing table to ensure it stays taut during the process. As the colours are mixed by hand, it takes time to get the desired shades. Artisans prepare the dye by ensuring it is evenly spread on a tray or palette. Meanwhile, the blocks are prepared and set aside, ready for printing once the colours are ready. 

Testing the Print
Next comes the exciting part: testing the print. The wooden block, intricately carved with the desired design, is then gently pressed onto this dye surface to coat it uniformly. Once adequately coated, the block is carefully aligned and firmly pressed onto the fabric, transferring the design. To ensure a clear and consistent impression, the printer may tap the back of the block, allowing the dye to penetrate the fabric evenly. This is where the magic happens. The precision of each print matters, and even the smallest mistake can change the overall feel of the design. It’s a delicate dance of art and technique, ensuring that the print flows seamlessly across the fabric.

Adjustments and Refining
As the first prints dry, I review the results. Is the design crisp and clear? Does the dye have the right intensity? Sometimes, this part of the process requires a bit of tweaking. It’s an iterative process—each stamp must align perfectly to create a smooth, flowing pattern. The design evolves with every block, and each adjustment brings me closer to the final look I envision for our collection.

Finalising the Sample
By the end of the day, we have some beautiful samples ready for evaluation. I step back and take a moment to appreciate the depth of the print, how the colours have settled into the fabric, and try to imagine it as the dress. Block printing isn’t just about creating a pattern; it’s about creating a piece of art that tells a story. The sample now feels ready to become a part of our next collection, but it will be further refined in the coming days before it's made into a finished piece.

Sampling the Orchid print isn’t just about creating a new dress; it’s about continuing the legacy of craftsmanship and design that’s at the heart of Arras. As we move forward with new colours, we’re excited to see how our customers react to these fresh iterations. The process may start with a sketch, but it always ends with a garment that brings beauty, comfort, and a little bit of our story into your lives.

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