Handcrafted kurtas, especially those adorned with;Handblock, Ajrakh, Sanganeri, Dabu, or Bagru prints, are more than just clothing—they are a celebration of India’s rich textile heritage. At Rivaaj Ethnic, we are passionate about bringing these traditional crafts into everyday wear, offering kurtis that are not only stylish but also comfortable for daily use.

These handcrafted prints, created through meticulous techniques, are delicate and require special care. This guide will help you preserve your Handblock and Ajrakh designs, ensuring that your favorite kurtis from Rivaaj Ethnic remain vibrant and elegant for years.

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Understanding Traditional Handblock Prints

Before diving into care tips, it’s helpful to know what makes each handblock technique unique:

• Ajrakh Printing: A centuries-old block printing tradition from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ajrakh involves multiple stages of resist dyeing and geometric patterns. The natural dyes and intricate designs make it highly prized.
• Sanganeri Print: Originating from Sanganer, Rajasthan, this style is known for its delicate floral patterns and bright, cheerful colors.
• Bagru Print: Hailing from Bagru, Rajasthan, Bagru prints use natural dyes with bold motifs like florals and geometric shapes, often in earthy tones.
• Dabu Print: This mud-resist technique from Rajasthan gives a textured look to cotton fabrics and creates stunning motifs with natural dyes.

Each of these prints is unique, handcrafted, and requires attention during washing, drying, and storage. At Rivaaj Ethnic, our kurtis are made using these techniques to ensure authenticity and timeless appeal.

Washing Your Handcrafted Kurti

The first step to preserving your kurti is washing it properly. Incorrect washing can lead to fading, bleeding, or damage to the fabric.

Guidelines for washing:

1. Hand Wash is Best
• Always hand wash your kurtis in cold water.
• Avoid soaking for too long; 5–10 minutes is enough for light cleaning.
• Use gentle detergent or mild soap to protect natural dyes.
2. Avoid Machine Wash
• Washing machines can be harsh on delicate prints like Ajrakh, Bagru, or Dabu.
• The agitation may cause prints to fade faster or fabric to lose shape.
3. Separate Colors
• Wash dark and light-colored kurtis separately.
• For the first 2–3 washes, you may notice slight color bleeding; hand washing minimizes this.

By following these steps, you can preserve your Rivaaj Ethnic kurtis and keep the handblock designs crisp and vibrant.

Drying and Ironing

How you dry and iron your kurti also impacts the longevity of the prints. Improper drying or ironing can lead to fading or distortion.

• Air Dry in Shade: Always dry your kurtis in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colors, especially for Ajrakh and Sanganeri prints.
• Avoid Wringing: Gently squeeze out excess water instead of twisting the fabric.
• Iron Carefully:
• Iron on the reverse side to protect the prints.
• Use a medium heat setting for cotton fabrics.

Tip: For kurtis with heavy block prints or embroidery, place a thin cloth over the fabric while ironing to avoid direct heat. Following these steps ensures that your Rivaaj Ethnic kurtis maintain their elegant appearance.

Storage Tips for Longevity

Proper storage is crucial to keeping your handcrafted kurtis looking new.

• Fold Neatly: Avoid hanging heavy kurtis for long periods as it may stretch the fabric. Fold and store in a cool, dry place.
• Use Cotton Bags: Store kurtis in breathable cotton bags instead of plastic to prevent moisture and mildew.
• Separate Layers: Place a soft muslin cloth between kurtis if stacking multiple pieces to avoid color transfer.

These small measures help you preserve your handblock prints and protect the integrity of your Rivaaj Ethnic collection.

Additional Care Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your handcrafted kurti stays vibrant:

• Avoid Bleach: Never use bleach or harsh chemicals on handblock prints. Natural dyes react poorly to strong chemicals.
• Limit Dry Cleaning: Occasional dry cleaning is okay, but frequent chemical treatments can weaken the fibers.
• Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, gently dab with cold water and mild soap instead of scrubbing aggressively.
• Rotate Your Wardrobe: Avoid wearing the same kurti frequently; giving fabrics a break helps retain color and shape.

By following these practices, you can enjoy the beauty of your Rivaaj Ethnic kurtis every day without worrying about wear and tear.

Why Proper Care Matters

Handcrafted kurtis are not just garments—they carry tradition, artistry, and culture. Each Ajrakh, Sanganeri, Dabu, or Bagru print is created by skilled artisans, and proper care ensures that these efforts are honored.

At Rivaaj Ethnic, our mission is to bring these prints into your everyday wardrobe without compromising comfort or style. By following this guide, you can preserve the vibrancy of your kurtis while enjoying the elegance and authenticity of traditional handblock prints.

FAQs

1. Can I machine wash Rivaaj Ethnic kurtis?
It’s best to hand wash to protect the colors and prints. If using a machine, choose a delicate cycle with cold water and place the kurti in a laundry bag.

2. How do I prevent color bleeding in Ajrakh or Sanganeri kurtis?
Wash dark and light kurtis separately. Hand wash for the first 2–3 washes to minimize dye transfer.

3. Can I iron directly on the handblock prints?
No. Always iron on the reverse side or place a thin cloth over the print to avoid fading.

4. How should I store my kurtis to prevent damage?
Fold neatly, store in cotton bags, and separate stacked kurtis with muslin cloth. Avoid hanging heavy kurtis for long periods.

5. Are Rivaaj Ethnic kurtis suitable for daily wear?
Yes! Our handcrafted cotton kurtis are designed for comfort and durability, making them perfect for everyday wear while showcasing traditional prints.

Explore the collection → www.rivaajethnic.com