Common Fabric Defects in Indian Textiles (A Visual Guide)

Indian textiles — from Bagru block prints to Kota Doria weaves — are beautiful products, but they're made by hand and by machine, and defects occur. Knowing what to look for helps you set clear quality standards with your supplier.

Weaving Defects

• **Broken ends**: Missing threads in the weave creating visible lines

• **Reed marks**: Parallel lines from the loom's reed being damaged

• **Weft bar**: Horizontal bands of different tension

• **Starting marks**: Defects at the beginning of a new roll

Dyeing Defects

• **Colour variation**: Different shades within the same batch

• **Streaks**: Uneven dye penetration creating visible streaks

• **Colour bleeding**: Dye transferring to other fabrics or surfaces

• **Shade bands**: Band-like colour variations across the fabric width

Printing Defects (Block Print)

• **Misregistration**: Patterns not aligning between printing blocks

• **Uneven pressure**: Some areas darker/lighter than others

• **Block marks**: Hard edges where the printing block pressed

• **Ink bleeding**: Dye spreading beyond pattern boundaries

Setting Standards

Define acceptable defect levels for your order. For premium products, even minor defects may be unacceptable. For mid-range, some variation in hand-printed products is expected. Document this clearly in your specifications.