Introduction to Block Printing

Join Ahista Stories for Introduction to Block Printing, where you will learn how to use traditional hand-carved wooden blocks from Sindh, Pakistan, with non-toxic fabric inks, in order to breathe new life into clothes or linen you already own.

The history of the Ajrak – the traditional Sindhi printed cloth – dates back to the Indus Valley Civilisation as far as 2500 BC. Ajraks are typically printed in a 21-step process using local, natural materials and with skill passed down through generations.

Using hand-carved wooden blocks inspired by nature and Islamic art – and sourced via facilitator Zainab’s family in Sindh – you’ll get a taste of the rich heritage of Sindhi block printing in this beginner-friendly workshop. Bring your own items to print on or purchase a deadstock tote bag to save it from landfill.

You’ll learn how to:

Compose a design

Correctly apply fabric ink to wooden blocks

Print repeat patterns using sets of complementary blocks

Care for blocks and printed fabric

Who’s this workshop for?

Great for adult beginners – especially those who don’t think of themselves as creative – looking to dip their toes into a new craft activity. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to see first-hand how you can bring newness to old clothes away from the intricacy of needlework.

Materials and Requirements

We strongly encourage you to bring your own fabric to fully participate in the ethos of upcycling. Participants should bring white or light-coloured cotton or linen items such as t-shirts, tote bags or tea towels. Scrap fabric will be provided for experimentation, and deadstock cotton tote bags are available to purchase on top of the ticket price for those who do not have their own fabric. No prior block printing experience is required.

About the workshop tutor

Zainab Mahmood is a British Pakistani creative producer, facilitator and campaigner focusing on climate justice, garment worker rights and Palestinian liberation. Through curating and facilitating workshops under Ahista Stories, Zainab seeks to create dialogue around garment worker exploitation, textile waste and how South Asian heritage crafts go hand in hand with sustainability.

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