How is a table runner made with the block print technique?

Block print is an Indian artisanal printing technique that uses hand-carved wooden blocks. The artisan dips the block in natural pigments and presses it onto the cotton with a precise gesture. A single table runner may require hundreds of impressions. Each block is realigned by hand, which is why every piece displays subtle variations that testify to the manual craftsmanship.

How do you wash a hand-printed cotton table runner?

We recommend hand-washing in cold water with a gentle soap for the first washes, to fix the colours. Subsequently, the table runner can be machine-washed at 30°C with similar colours. Avoid bleach and tumble drying. Dry in the shade and iron inside out at a warm setting. Hand-printed cotton retains its colours for a long time with these simple precautions.

Which table runner should I choose for my table?

It depends on your table’s style. The Camelia table runner with floral print is perfect for those who love light, delicate tones. The Maggiorana block print cotton table runner has a more graphic design, ideal for a contemporary table. The Marygold Orange hand-printed cotton runner adds a warm colour accent. They are variants of the same artisanal technique on Indian cotton: choose the pattern that best harmonises with the colours of your home.

Can I use the table runner as a decorative element too?

Certainly. Hand-printed cotton table runners are versatile: you can use them on a console, a low sideboard, as a centrepiece on a round table or as a decorative strip on a credenza. Block print cotton has a tactile and visual quality that enriches any surface. Pair it with hand-printed Indian cotton cushions to create an artisanal textile thread throughout your home.

How to pair the table runner with other home textiles?

The most natural approach is to coordinate patterns. The Marygold Orange table runner pairs with Mary Gold block print cotton napkins for a table coordinated in the same pattern. You can also combine different patterns for a more eclectic effect: a floral runner like Camelia with striped printed cotton napkins. Complete with artisanal cotton placemats to add a further layer of texture to the table.

Table Runners in Indian Cotton

Runners

A table runner in hand-printed cotton transforms every meal into a considered moment. Fabindia Roma ...

A table runner in hand-printed cotton transforms every meal into a considered moment. Fabindia Roma table runners are made by Indian artisans using the block print technique: hand-carved wooden blocks...

A table runner in hand-printed cotton transforms every meal into a considered moment. Fabindia Roma table runners are made by Indian artisans using the block print technique: hand-carved wooden blocks dipped in natural pigments and pressed onto the fabric with precise, repeated gestures.

The collection presents different patterns, each with a distinct character. The Camelia cotton table runner brings a delicate floral motif on a light ground. The Maggiorana block print cotton table runner weaves leaves and branches with a fine line, inspired by Mediterranean herbs. The Marygold Orange table runner brightens the table with the warm shades of Indian marigold. Variants of the same artisanal table runner, all hand-printed on Indian cotton.

The cotton used for these table runners is lightweight, durable and designed for everyday use. Hand printing makes every piece slightly different from the next: small variations in line, block pressure and colour intensity that tell the story of the artisan’s work.

A block print cotton table runner pairs naturally with other pieces from our home collection. The Marygold Orange runner, for instance, sits alongside Mary Gold hand-printed cotton napkins in the same pattern, for a coordinated and harmonious table. Complete the composition with artisanal cotton placemats for contrasts of colour and texture, or add hand-printed cotton cushions to extend the artisanal thread into the living room.

Choosing a Fabindia Roma table runner means bringing home a piece of authentic Indian craftsmanship. Every table runner arrives from our shop in Via del Banco di Santo Spirito 40, in the heart of Rome, where you can feel the quality of the cotton and the precision of the print first-hand.