How can I tell the diamonds were block printed and not machine printed?
Look along a row where two impressions meet. In hand block work the diamonds shift very slightly out of line and the brown reads a shade deeper where the artisan pressed harder. This set is stamped with hand-carved wooden blocks by artisans in Bhagalpur, so those variations run through the whole length. Machine and screen prints are perfectly uniform.
Will the brown run onto the yellow band in the wash?
No. The fabric is colour-fast and does not bleed on the first wash, so the yellow panel stays clean. Dry clean the first wash, then a gentle cold hand wash.
What are the pieces and their measurements?
A top of 2.5 m at 44 to 45 inches wide, a bottom of 2.5 m at 44 to 45 inches wide, and a dupatta of 2.5 m at 35 to 36 inches wide, 600 to 650 g in total.
Can it be stitched up to a plus size?
Yes, up to 4XL for a straight kurta set, and the length can be customised for larger sizes.
Is a lining needed under the brown?
No. The fabric is opaque on its own, so a lining is optional and only adds a more structured finish if you want one.
How should the yellow band be used when stitching?
Ask your tailor to keep the band whole and place it along the kurta hem rather than cutting through the middle of it. With 2.5 m on each piece there is room to plan the cut.
What if the brown is not what I expected?
Deep browns photograph warmer or cooler than they look in person. If the shade or the quality is not loved, an exchange is available.