Dabu block print is a traditional Indian resist-dyeing technique used in fabric printing.
It uses a natural paste made of:
• Black clay
• Lime
• Wheat chaff (bran)
• Gum (babool gum)
Once the paste is ready it s applied in wooden intricate patterns, it is ready to block.
The areas covered with the paste resist the dye, creating unique and detailed designs. After dyeing, the paste is washed off, revealing the contrast between the dyed and un-dyed areas. This paste is applied onto the fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks. Once the paste dries, the fabric is dipped into natural dyes such as indigo, pomegranate, or madder.
Wherever the Dabu paste sits, it resists the dye, creating soft, earthy, blurred patterns that are the signature of Bagru.
This technique is often used in creating beautiful textiles and garments with rich, earthy colours and elaborate patterns.
The beauty of Dabu lies in its imperfections — each print is slightly irregular, reflecting the movement of the artisan’s hand, the weather, and the soil.
