Hand block Ajrak is printed by hand with carved wooden blocks. Many traditional pieces also use natural or organic dyes. A "print" (screen, roller, or digital) copies Ajrak style patterns with machines. It can look similar in a photo. It is not made the same way.

If you care about Pakistani, Indus, Sindhi, or desi heritage textiles, read past the word "Ajrak." Check whether the listing says hand block printed, and whether it names organic or natural dye.

What people mean by Ajrak

Ajrak is a textile craft from the Indus region, especially Sindh. Some pieces are still block printed by hand. Others only borrow the motifs. Sartiyoon product pages say when a piece is organic dye hand block printed.

Hand block vs print

Hand block uses wooden blocks, small pattern shifts, and colour that often sits deeper in the cloth. Machine or screen prints usually show even repeats and pigment on the surface, and they are usually cheaper. Neither is fake clothing. One is handmade. The other is a printed pattern that looks like Ajrak.

Organic dye on our site

"Organic dye" means what that product page says. Not every Ajrak look item online is hand blocked or naturally dyed.

Shop hand block Ajrak

Browse Ajrak for women and all Ajrak. For dresses and how to buy in Pakistan, see Buy an Ajrak dress in Pakistan.

Before you buy

Ask whether the listing names hand block printing. Check whether the dye is named when a natural or organic claim is made. Confirm if the piece is stitched or unstitched. Look at close up photos. Slight unevenness is normal on hand block work.