Grey Wave & Deer Dabu Block Print Cotton

Rolling wave forms in layered grey tones with leaping deer and billowing clouds — a fluid, almost Japanese-feeling composition that is quite unlike anything else in the range. The deer are beautifully drawn, caught mid-leap between the cresting waves. The grey palette is soft and complex, with the variation in tone suggesting natural iron-based dyeing. A fabric for someone who knows exactly what they want.

Hand block printed in Bagru, Rajasthan using the dabu mud-resist technique. Dabu printing is one of the oldest and most labour-intensive forms of Indian block printing — a paste of black clay, lime and gum is applied by hand-carved wooden block to areas of the cloth to resist the dye, then the fabric is dusted with sawdust to prevent sticking, dried, and dipped in the dye bath. The process can be repeated multiple times to build up layers of pattern and colour. Each piece carries the subtle marks of this process — soft edges, gentle variation in colour depth, and the occasional bleed or blur that is the hallmark of genuine dabu work. The grey tones are consistent with natural iron-based dyeing — worth confirming with your supplier. This is a hand block printed dabu cotton fabric made in Bagru, Rajasthan, sold by the metre from the UK.

— Fabric details — Material: 100% cotton Width: 112cm / 44 inches Weight: approx. 80gsm Handle: lightweight, soft and relaxed

— Ordering — Sold in 0.5 metre increments. Multiple quantities supplied in one continuous length.

— Good for — Dressmaking · Home furnishings · Quilting · Shirts · Jackets · Bags · Cushion covers · Craft

— Care — Machine wash at 30°. Some colour release on first wash is normal — it settles. Pre-wash before sewing if you prefer.