Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric

REVIEW · JAIPUR

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric

  • 5.095 reviews
  • From $35.00
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Hand block printing is one of the quickest ways to get hands-on with Jaipur craft.

This 2-hour class lets you watch the process in a working family-run workshop, then print your own fabric using traditional carved blocks and dyes.

I really like that the group stays small, so Monty and the team can actually help you as you print. I also love that you get a real workflow lesson, not just crafting time: block making, dyeing, and a quality check line you can see with your own eyes.

One thing to plan for: Jaipur heat can be intense, and you’ll be standing and working near dye and washing stations. Wear light, comfortable summer clothes so you can stay focused instead of melting.

Key moments worth planning for

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric - Key moments worth planning for

  • Small group size with personal attention (capped at six, with a hard max of eight)
  • You see the full chain: carved wooden blocks → dyeing → printing → quality checks → washing
  • Three dye colours to work with while you design your own scarf, apron, tote, napkins, or placemats
  • Hands-on guidance from Monty and his team as you build patterns with the blocks
  • Take-home fabric after the washing process, so your souvenir looks like real workshop work
  • Optional add-ons like tailored clothing requests and a quality shopping option

Hand blocks, big patterns, in about two hours

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric - Hand blocks, big patterns, in about two hours
If you’re trying to fit a real craft experience into a Jaipur day, this one is built for time. In roughly two hours, you go from watching blocks get used to making your own printed item, with enough guidance to finish something you’ll actually want to pack.

The workshop is family-run, and you feel it in the pace. People are carving, printing, and checking quality as part of the normal workflow, not only for your show.

Also, this experience is highly rated, with a 4.9 score across 95 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate. That matters because block printing classes can range from fun demos to true teaching, and this one clearly leans toward the real method.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Jaipur.

Finding S.P. Associates and what to expect on arrival

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric - Finding S.P. Associates and what to expect on arrival
You’ll meet at S.P. ASSOCIATES (Led Light for Signages), F-86, A Kartarpura Industrial Area, Road No. 5, 22 Godam, Hawa Sadak, Sharma Colony, Bais Godam, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out transportation afterward.

When you arrive, the tone is practical and friendly. Monty is the host/guide in the experience, and the team supports you as you learn how the workshop works—where people stand, how blocks get handled, and how the printing rhythm is kept consistent.

You can also take photos and videos during the workshop. That’s a big deal for this kind of class because so much of what you want to remember is the process itself: blocks, dye, printing layers, and the finished product checks.

The real lesson: blocks, dyes, and the Chippa printing method

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric - The real lesson: blocks, dyes, and the Chippa printing method
This class is built around more than making a souvenir. You get a guided look at how hand block printing is done in Jaipur, including the history and the practical steps behind it.

You’ll learn about:

  • how wooden carved blocks are made and used
  • the types of dyes the workshop works with
  • the full printing process associated with the Chippa community
  • why quality checks matter after printing

One of the most satisfying parts is watching the quality check area. You’ll see ladies responsible for checking the finished products, which helps you understand that in these workshops, printing quality is controlled at multiple stages—not only at the end.

And yes, there’s a lot of creative freedom. The team encourages you to explore pattern choices instead of locking you into one preset design.

Carved blocks in action: what you’ll watch before you print

Before you sit down to print, you’ll walk through the workshop where you can actually see the work happening. People are carving and printing patterns, and you can watch how blocks are aligned and used repeatedly to create consistent motifs.

This is the part that makes the class feel authentic. You’re not just shown pictures or videos. You’re seeing how a working print shop runs, including the sections dedicated to different steps like dye and washing.

If you’re a visual learner, this segment is the moment it clicks: once you understand how a block prints the same shape again and again, your own design choices start to make sense.

Printing your scarf, apron, tote, and more

Now for the fun part: you create your own printed item with help from local artists. You can print options such as a scarf, apron, tote bag, napkins, or placemats, depending on what you choose for your session.

You use:

  • the wooden carved blocks provided by the workshop
  • dyes from three different colours
  • your own pattern layout, with coaching as needed

The team lets you go wild with patterns and helps you keep the printing process under control. That balance matters. Too many workshops rush you, and you end up with something that looks accidental. Here, you’re guided so you can experiment while still producing a clean result.

Practical tip: treat this like a stamping process. Take your time aligning your block each time. Even when you’re excited to play with colours, the clean look comes from repeatable placement.

The washing process and getting a souvenir that holds up

After printing, you’ll watch the washing process. This step matters because dyes and printed layers need proper washing and handling so the fabric is wearable and less messy for travel.

Once it’s finished, you carry home your printed piece as a souvenir of your own work. That’s one of the best parts of the experience: you’re not buying a finished product after a quick demo. You’re leaving with something you made with the workshop’s dye and process.

A small detail that’s easy to overlook: if you choose a more detailed pattern, you may spend more time on alignment before the print looks crisp. The guidance from Monty’s team helps you find that balance between creativity and good results.

Optional add-ons: tailored clothing and quality warehouse shopping

This class also sits inside a larger workshop environment, which means you may have options beyond your printed item.

You can request customised clothes made by skilled tailors at the workshop. If you’re interested in a made-to-fit souvenir—something you can actually wear during your trip—this is the practical way to add it without turning your day into a separate shopping mission.

There’s also a quality shopping option in the warehouse area. Some visitors mention the opportunity to shop in the storeroom/warehouse after the experience, which can be helpful if you want matching pieces or additional gifts.

Just keep expectations realistic: custom tailoring depends on what can be done in the timeframe you have in Jaipur. If you’re short on time, focus on what you can finish as part of the class first.

Price and value: what $35 includes (and what doesn’t)

Learn Hand Block Printing Techniques & Print Your Own Fabric - Price and value: what $35 includes (and what doesn’t)
At $35.00 per person, this is positioned as an affordable hands-on workshop, not a high-end private craft lesson. And the value is in the included materials and instruction.

What’s included:

  • fabric and hand blocks for printing
  • bottled water
  • all fees and taxes
  • the teaching and guided workshop experience

What’s not included:

  • private transportation

There’s also an upgrade option for round-trip private transfers. If you’re staying far from the workshop area—or you don’t want the stress of coordinating a local taxi—this upgrade can be worth it just for sanity.

From a value standpoint, the big reason the price works is simple: you’re paying for instruction plus usable materials you take home. For most people, that’s cheaper than buying a finished handcrafted item at the end of the day.

When to go and what to wear in Jaipur heat

Multiple people note that it can get hot. You’ll likely be standing and working around dyeing and washing areas, so comfort affects the experience.

Wear light, breathable clothes, and plan for warm conditions. Comfortable footwear also helps because workshop floors and workflow areas can be busy.

Bring a good attitude toward mess. Block printing is an applied craft, not museum viewing. Even with gloves or instruction, you may handle fabric and inks/dyes during the process.

Who this class is best for

This is a great fit if:

  • you want an authentic Jaipur craft experience without spending the whole day traveling
  • you like hands-on learning and making something you’ll actually use
  • you enjoy seeing how a workshop runs, not only learning the final steps
  • you’re traveling as a small group and want personal attention

It’s also smart if you’re a budget-conscious traveler who still wants a memorable activity. At this price, you get both the education and a take-home result.

If you’re the type who hates sitting through demonstrations, this one should still work because most of your time is connected to doing: using blocks, choosing patterns, and printing.

Should you book the Jaipur hand block printing class?

Yes, if you want a real craft day that ends with a tangible souvenir. The combination of small group attention, a full process tour (including quality checks and washing), and the chance to design and print your own scarf or tote makes this feel worth your time in Jaipur.

I would book it sooner rather than later if you’re working with limited Jaipur hours. The whole point is to get a meaningful workshop experience without dragging your schedule across town.

If you hate heat or have mobility limits that make standing difficult, plan carefully and consider the transfer upgrade. Otherwise, go with the mindset of learning a skill, making choices, and enjoying the workshop energy—because that’s where the best memories come from.

FAQ

How long is the hand block printing class?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is the price, and what does it include?

The price is $35.00 per person. It includes fabric and hand blocks for printing, bottled water, and all fees and taxes.

Do I get to print my own item, or is it only watching?

You get hands-on time to print your own fabric using wooden carved blocks and dyes. You can choose items like a scarf, apron, tote bag, napkins, or placemats.

How many people are in a group?

It’s designed as a small group experience capped at six for personal attention, with a maximum of eight travelers noted for the activity.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You start at S.P. ASSOCIATES (Led Light for Signages), F-86, A Kartarpura Industrial Area, Road No. 5, 22 Godam, Hawa Sadak, Sharma Colony, Bais Godam, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, but you can upgrade to round-trip private transfers for convenience.

Can most people participate?

The information says most travelers can participate, and the class is hands-on. If you’re worried about standing in warm conditions, dress for heat and take your comfort seriously.

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