Fair Trade & artisan-made in India

Designed in the United States

Set of 4 placemats | Size: 20" × 14" (standard dining placemat)

Crafted by women artisans from a displaced community in Northwest India, supporting dignified, skill-based livelihoods

Made from kora cotton — unbleached, unprocessed cotton with a natural off-white finish

Features a two-block design, combining complementary patterns printed using separate hand-carved wooden blocks

Hand block printed with low-impact, azo-free dyes

Balanced composition adds visual interest while remaining timeless and easy to style

Durable, reusable, and easy to care for — a sustainable alternative to disposable placemats

Substantial handfeel that protects the table and elevates everyday dining

Comes packaged with a hangtag sharing the material, technique, and maker story

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

Material: 100% kora cotton (unbleached, unprocessed)

Size: 20" × 14"

Technique: Hand block printed

Care: Machine wash cold, delicate cycle; tumble dry low

The Block Duo placemats are crafted from kora cotton, cotton that is left unbleached and unprocessed to preserve its natural tone and texture. This raw canvas provides a warm, neutral base that allows hand-applied patterns to stand out with clarity and depth.

Each placemat features two distinct block-printed designs arranged in a structured layout. The pairing of patterns — such as linear stripes with chevrons or geometric borders — creates contrast and rhythm while maintaining a cohesive, design-forward look suited to both casual and formal table settings.

These placemats are hand block printed by indigenous women artisans from a displaced community in Northwest India, where craft-based work provides a vital source of dignified, skill-led livelihoods. Produced within Fair Trade practices, each piece reflects a blend of traditional expertise and contemporary design sensibility.

Hand block printing is a meticulous, labor-intensive craft. For this design, artisans carve and use multiple wooden blocks, one for each pattern element. Dye is applied carefully to the block, which is then pressed firmly and evenly onto the fabric.

Each placemat requires dozens of individual impressions, with careful alignment between blocks to achieve balance and clarity. The slow, deliberate process allows for subtle variation while preserving the integrity of the overall design.

The artisan group was formed with support from a foundation to help displaced villagers — particularly women — develop sustainable livelihoods through traditional handcraft. Today, the community operates as an independent enterprise offering steady income, skill development, and long-term economic stability.