Resist printing was a common and desirable method of creating a dark grounded textile.  Sometimes in only one color and sometimes blocked after to create a pattern of two or more colors, they are described in shop advertisements, runaway ads and genre paintings.  Printed in both India and England they could be simple like our Madder Resist Handkerchief, or far more complex using many blocks and a number of colors.  

Our Madder Resist Handkerchief is inspired by, and based on, an original handkerchief left with a child at the Foundling Hospital.  There was no identifier for it, but the small piece retained its rolled hem and was made of “washing silk”; a lightweight soft silk commonly used for handkerchiefs.  We also studied a number of pieces, one very similar to the token that were resist printed in this manner.  The madder color is matched to the original handkerchief. 

Our Madder Resist Handkerchief:

• Measures approximately 34 inches square. 
• 100% hand loomed cotton mull.
• Hand printed and hand finished.
• To learn more about our Madder Resist Handkerchief, or our other designs, please visit