Our Process
Fabrics
We are really intentional about the fabrics we use for our cushions because they are the canvas for all our hand block printing.
We love linen for the relaxed, textured feel that gets softer and better with age. We love ramie (an ancient plant fibre made from nettles) because it has incredible strength and a subtle sheen.
They are both bast fibres which are incredibly sustainable, low water crops that naturally resist pests, meaning they require little to no chemical pesticides to thrive.
Every Amble & Block design is printed by hand with Procion MX dyes, fibre-reactive colours that bond with the linen itself rather than sitting on top of it. We mix each shade into a paste of Manutex, a thickener from seaweed, and Solutose, a gentle starch from corn or potato. The result is a water-based, biodegradable system with no plastisol and no plastic.
Because the dye becomes part of the fibre, colours stay deep and vibrant and the fabric stays soft, with no stiff layer of ink. And because the dye cures at room temperature, there's no steaming or heat setting, which keeps our energy use low. It's a slower, gentler way to print, and better for the planet.
Dyes
Blocks
We design our custom printing blocks in the UK, which are then brought to life by artisans in India using sustainable Indian Rosewood.
Every single block is meticulously hand-carved from this durable, fast-growing hardwood. Once hand-carved, each block undergoes a traditional week-long soak in natural oil. This seasoning process deeply conditions the wood, making it highly resistant to warping or cracking and ensuring it remains beautifully non-absorbent during printing.
We have spent a lot of time considering the details of our cushions, ensuring every trim aligns with our standards for safety, quality, and the planet. Inside, we use incredibly plump, ethically sourced European duck feather inners that fully comply with all UK fire safety regulations. Instead of using standard synthetic pre-made piping, we use 100% cotton cord wrapped in a 100% cotton binding to give the edges a colourful, plastic-free finish. To complete each piece, we use printed cotton labels rather than scratchy polyester tags, keeping the entire cushion beautifully natural and soft from the inside out.