Fair Trade & artisan-made in India

Designed in the United States

100% kora cotton — unbleached, unprocessed, and naturally off-white

Hand block printed using multiple carved wooden blocks and low-impact dyes

Available with hand block printed borders or embroidered edge detailing

Highly absorbent, durable, and reusable — a refined alternative to disposable paper napkins

Machine washable for easy, everyday use

Crafted by artisan families in South India, many with deep roots in hand block printing

Gift-ready set of four, thoughtfully packaged with a belly band and hanger sharing details about the artisans and techniques

Ideal for hostess gifts, housewarmings, weddings, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, holidays, and seasonal gifting

MATERIAL & CARE

Material: 100% kora cotton (unbleached, unprocessed)
Size: 18" × 18"
Care: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; tumble dry low; warm iron if needed

These handwoven napkins are made from kora cotton, an unbleached and unprocessed form of cotton that retains the fiber’s organic off-white tone while avoiding the heavy chemical treatments associated with conventional bleaching. This raw cotton base allows printed motifs and border details to stand out with clarity and depth.

Each napkin features hand block printed patterns, created through a slow, multi-step process using carved wooden blocks and layered color applications. In some designs, the borders are also hand block printed, requiring precise alignment and steady pressure for clean edges. Other styles feature delicate embroidery along the edges, adding tactile detail and refinement.

Produced by artisan communities in South India, many makers come from families with deep roots in hand block printing. After migrating to urban areas in search of stable livelihoods, artisans reconnect with their heritage craft through this Fair Trade initiative — working in an environment that values skill, patience, and artistic integrity. Each set reflects careful craftsmanship and the human hands behind every impression.

The process begins with kora cotton fabric, chosen for its natural character and chemical-free finish. Artisans carve intricate designs into wooden blocks, then apply low-impact dyes to the blocks and stamp the fabric by hand. Each color and block is applied separately; once a layer is complete, the fabric must dry fully before the next stage begins.

This deceptively simple technique requires dozens — sometimes hundreds — of individual impressions per napkin. When borders are block printed, artisans must align patterns with exceptional precision. For embroidered-edge styles, skilled hands add finishing stitches that enhance durability and visual detail.

Through this Fair Trade initiative, artisans work in supportive conditions that provide fair wages, stability, and long-term opportunity — helping keep the legacy of hand block printing vibrant while supporting artisan families and meaningful livelihoods.