They're the one everyone asks, "Where did you get that?" Their style is personal and a little playful, and it's always finished with exactly the right accessory. They'd rather wear something unique than something everyone else has.
Shopping for a stylish friend can feel like a high-stakes gift. They have taste, and they know what they like. The secret is to skip the mass-produced and look for pieces with character. Hand-printed accessories check every box. They're useful, they're one of a kind, and they come with a story.
In this guide, we'll share how our block print accessories are made, how to style them, and our favorite picks for the trendsetter on your list.
What Is Block Printing on Fabric?
Block printing is one of the oldest ways to decorate textiles, with roots that go back centuries. A design is carved into a block (we use linoleum), the block is inked, and then it's pressed by hand onto fabric. Repeat that motion, carefully lining up each print, and a pattern slowly comes to life.
We still do it the slow way, by hand. That means:
- Every piece is unique. Slight variations in ink and placement make each tote, towel, and patch one of a kind.
- It's made in small batches. You won't see hundreds of the same bag around town.
- It has texture. You can see and feel the handmade quality, which is something screen printing can't copy.
Linocut Tote Bags for Everyday Errands
Our tote bags are block printed by hand on 15" x 16" x 3" cotton canvas, with plenty of room for farmers market hauls, library books, and beach days. Choose from:
- Mothball Tote: black butterflies, moths, bees, and dragonflies with light blue stars
- Berry Tote: red strawberries and round blueberries
- Tulip Tote: green and orange tulips with orange stars
- Gnome Tote: garden gnomes holding flowers in a grid pattern
- Trout Tote: a hand-printed blue trout on cream canvas
A tote bag is one of those gifts that gets used every single day. It's also a quiet act of sustainability that replaces a pile of plastic bags.
Sew-On Patches to Personalize Anything
Patches are the easiest way to make something your own. Ours are linocut printed on patterned cotton fabric and ready to stitch onto a denim jacket, backpack, hat, or tote. Designs include:
- Chicken (in cowboy boots, of course)
- Bug: butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and moths
- Shell and Shark Tooth
- Strawberry and Trout
At $8 each, they make great stocking stuffers, and they're fun to collect.
Styling tip: group three patches together on the back of a jean jacket or across the front of a plain tote for a curated, vintage look.
Hand Printed Patch Hats
Yes, really. Our printed patch hats combine hand-printed fabric with a felt backing to make a sturdy and unique statement on denim, colored corduroy, and more on the way. It's playful, it's a conversation starter, and it's the kind of hat that ends up in every photo.
Stickers for Laptops & Water Bottles
The finishing touch for any accessory lover: our waterproof matte vinyl stickers. Each one is made from a scan of a hand-printed linocut, so it keeps the texture and slight imperfections of traditional printmaking. They're scratch-resistant and weatherproof, perfect for laptops, water bottles, and outdoor gear.
Favorites include Stay Soft Bite Back, Cowboys Smoking, What Gets to Bloom, Butterfly, Chicken, and How Lucky. For the car, the Bunny Bumper Sticker Magnet reads "Equal Parts Feral & Sweet."
How to Style Hand-Printed Accessories
- Make the tote the statement. Keep the outfit simple and let a bold print do the talking.
- Match the season. Bug and tulip prints for spring, berries for summer, trout and gnomes for fall.
- Layer your story. A patch on the tote, a sticker on the bottle, and a hat that ties it together.
FAQ
What is a block print tote bag? It's a cotton tote decorated by pressing a carved, inked block onto the fabric by hand, so each bag is slightly unique.
How do you wash a block printed tote bag? Hand wash or use a gentle cold cycle, and air dry to keep the print looking its best.
How do you attach a sew-on patch? Pin it in place, then stitch around the edge by hand or with a sewing machine.
Find Their Perfect Gift
Not sure what fits their style? Take the 6-question gift quiz on our Holiday Gift Guide page. Give a piece of Dovetail this season. ✸
