Cotton printing press

Craftsmanship and history come together

In the historic Volmolen in Amersfoort, you’ll find De Katoendrukkerij – a remarkable place where centuries-old craftsmanship is brought back to life. Artisan Nathalie Cassée creates unique, hand-printed designs on fabric and paper, inspired by a technique that came to the Netherlands from India in the 17th century: block printing with wooden stamps and natural dyes.

A living studio full of patterns and stories

What makes De Katoendrukkerij truly special is its blend of heritage, creativity and craftsmanship. Nathalie works with a collection of over 1,000 wooden printing blocks in various patterns and has new ones hand-carved in India. Each design is different – layered, colourful, and made with great attention to detail, negative space, and material. She prints on paper and antique fabrics like linen and hemp, and sells her work to individuals, artists and fashion houses.

Workshops and creativity for all

In addition to her own creations, Nathalie shares her craft through workshops and educational programmes. These focus on personal expression: instead of following a fixed pattern, you’re encouraged to explore how colour, shape and material come together in your own unique design.

Would you like to experience block printing for yourself? Visit De Katoendrukkerij in Amersfoort and discover Dutch craftsmanship up close.