Our story
Svatahi brings India's hand crafts into the everyday wardrobe: honest cotton, natural colour, and the mark of the hand that made it.
01 · The block
A pattern carved by hand
Each motif begins as a drawing, carved into seasoned teak by a block maker. A single saree can need several blocks, one for the outline and others for each colour.
02 · The colour
Indigo, madder, earth
Blues from indigo, reds and browns from madder roots and iron, and a resist paste of clay that keeps parts of the cloth pale. Colours that come from nature and age with grace.
03 · The hand
One impression at a time
The printer dips, places and strikes, again and again along six metres of cotton. The cloth is then washed and dried in the sun, and each step leaves its own trace.
04 · Svatahi
Few, and with care
We work with small family workshops and bring their sarees to you in small batches. A saree that is simple to wear and lasts for years.