Block Print vs Screen Print: Difference, Cost and Which to Buy
By Hitesh Sharma, Founder, Shree Srishti Textile, Sanganer, Jaipur · Updated 22 October 2026
How each one is made
Hand block printing
A design is carved into wooden blocks — one block for each colour. The printer dips the block in colour, places it on the fabric and presses it with a firm knock of the hand, then moves to the next spot by eye. A 6-colour design means six passes over every metre. In Sanganer this is done on long padded tables; in Bagru and Dabu natural dyes and mud-resist paste are common.
Screen printing
The design is transferred to mesh screens, one per colour. Colour is pulled across the screen with a squeegee and passes through the open areas onto the fabric. Flatbed and rotary screen machines can print long lengths quickly with perfect, even repeats.
Block print vs screen print: full comparison
| Hand block print | Screen print | |
|---|---|---|
| Tool | Hand-carved wooden blocks | Mesh screens (manual or rotary machine) |
| Repeat | Small natural variations | Identical every time |
| Colour on the back | Clearly visible | Usually lighter |
| Feel | Soft, like the base fabric | Can feel coated with pigment inks |
| Speed | Slow, skilled hand work | Fast, suited to large runs |
| Typical buyer | Boutiques, premium resellers, export | Volume retail, low price points |
Why hand block print costs more
- Labour per metre: every colour is a separate hand pass.
- Blocks: each design needs carved blocks for every colour.
- Drying and washing: natural-dye and Dabu work needs extra steps between colours.
- Lower daily output: a printing table makes far fewer metres a day than a screen machine.
That is why a hand block suit set and a screen-printed set can look similar in a photo but differ in price. Our hand block suit sets start at ₹600 per set (Mulmul dupatta); see the full suit material rate list. For bedsheets, see the bedsheet manufacturer page.
Which should your business buy?
Choose hand block if…
- Your customers pay for handmade and "Jaipuri" authenticity
- You sell in boutiques, exhibitions or export
- You want designs that feel different from mall stock
Choose screen print if…
- You sell at the lowest price points
- You need large quantities of one identical design
- Uniform colour matters more than handmade character
Whatever you choose, make sure you know which one you are paying for. Our 6-step guide shows how to identify hand block print fabric.
Hand block printed products from our unit
Red Paisley Buta Hand Block Print Cotton Suit with Chiffon Dupatta – U₹710 / set
Bottle Green Ombre Buta Hand Block Print Cotton Suit with Chiffon Dupa₹710 / set
Maroon Mustard Floral Jaal Hand Block Print Cotton Suit with Kota Dori₹730 / set
Amer Bagh Hand Block Printed Murugan Cotton Double Bedsheet 95x108 wit₹1,050 / set
Amer Gulab Hand Block Printed Murugan Cotton Double Bedsheet 95x108 wi₹1,050 / set
Ivory Bloom Hand Block Printed Murugan Cotton Double Bedsheet 95x108 w₹1,050 / set
Wholesale only: the rate shown is per set/piece, and orders are placed in MOQ only (15–20 pcs per design). Shipping extra, GST bill with every order.
Care: hand block vs screen print
Screen-printed pigment fabric usually tolerates machine washing well. Hand block fabric — especially natural-dye Bagru and Dabu — lasts longest with a cold first wash, mild detergent and drying in shade. Share our care guide with your customers.
What buyers say on Google
"Authentic sanganeri printing is something which you can exclusively explore here."Bharti Verma, ★★★★★ Google review
"The cotton fabrics we ordered were well finished and vibrant. They understand wholesale requirements properly."Chirayu Namdev, ★★★★★ Google review
"Great collection and very good fabric quality."Ashish Jain, ★★★★★ Google review
"Quality of shree srishti textile is top noch & behaviour of staff is very good"Gita Choudhary, ★★★★★ Google review
Read all reviews on our Google Business Profile
Watch: Bagru block print cotton fabric
More factory videos on our YouTube channel: Shree Srishti Textile Jaipur.
How to order from Shree Srishti Textile
- WhatsApp or call 78774 85921 (sales line open 9 AM – 9 PM, every day) and say which category you want. We send the current ready-stock catalogue with photos and rates.
- Pick designs. MOQ is 15–20 pieces per design; you can mix designs across the order.
- See the stock live on a video call, or visit our Sanganer unit (Mon–Sun, 9 AM – 7 PM).
- Pay and dispatch. You get a GST bill (GSTIN 08FSSPS9727M1ZC) and a packing video before the parcel leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between block print and screen print?
Block print is pressed by hand with wooden blocks and shows small variations; screen print is pushed through a mesh screen and every repeat is identical.
Which is more durable?
Both can last well. Pigment screen prints handle machine washing; natural-dye hand block prints last longest with gentle washing.
Why is hand block print more expensive?
Each colour is printed by hand, blocks are carved for every design, and daily output is much lower than screen printing.
Do you sell hand block print in wholesale only?
Yes. The rate is per set or piece, and orders are in MOQ only — 15–20 pieces per design.
