5 Indian Prints That Are A Must Have For Your Wardrobe

With a printing tradition dating back ages, India is home to a wide variety of textile arts. Celebrated all over the world, the handicrafts industry in India has been worth appreciating. Different regions in the country boast different textures, styles, and techniques and each has a different method along with a unique result. Each has a distinct style that is easily recognizable when worn. The entire concept of printing has undergone a complete revolution in India, and currently, the industry is growing exponentially.

This article will discuss different kinds of block printing and fabric dyeing techniques in India that deserve to be preserved, promoted and appreciated.

1. Ajrakh - An ancient hand-block printing technique from the western states of India such as Gujarat and Rajasthan, Ajrakh is usually found on shawls and carpets. These prints are made using natural dyes that comprise both vegetable and mineral pigments. Blue, red, black, yellow, and green are the most common colors used to design these prints.

2. Ikath - Ikath is a dyeing process rather than a print or pattern, and it is one of the oldest kinds of textile design in India. This technique weaves a pattern using either the warp or the weft. Individual strands or bundles of yarn are tightly wrapped in the desired design to create the desired pattern and are later dyed. This leads to the blurriness of the lines, which is due to the artisan's extraordinary talent in inlining the threads in place.

3. Batik - First originated in Indonesia, Batik has gradually spread to various parts of South Asia, including India. This design has been around for over 2000 years and is a popular tie and de technique. These prints are similar to tie and dye but instead of tying up the fabric, it uses molten wax to create beautiful patterns on cloth. Floral designs and ornamental motifs are popular in batik with the occasional splash of vibrant colors.

4. Bandhani - One of the most recognizable Indian prints, Bandhani has been around since the time of the Indus Valley Civilization. The term bandhani means ‘to tie’. The textile is decorated tightly tying a cloth into several knots with a sealed thread, followed by dyeing it, to create intriguing patterns. It is available in a variety of patterns including dots, stripes, waves, and squares.

5. Kalamkari - As the name suggests, Kalamkari literally means pen art. This is one of the most beautiful and intricate methods of textile printing because it uses natural colors derived from natural extracts, and has a unique value when used in Indian dresses. Kalamkari includes freehand abstracts and delicate flower and animal prints, which craftsmen intricately craft over months.

6. Dabu - This mud-resist printing process is another printing technique that originated in certain regions of Rajasthan. The Dabu printing technique includes a thick mud paste made of calcium hydroxide (Chuna in Hindi) and naturally pounded wheat chaff (Beedan in Hindi), which is applied to a flat fabric that has been set out on a running table, and block prints are applied.

Our traditional Indian block printing techniques and tie and dye prints boast of the rich culture and heritage of the country. Craftsmanship, creativity, and a whole lot of effort go into keeping these printing techniques trending around the world. If you are looking to buy fabric online in India, Sahni Fabs has a wide range of designer fabrics online to choose from. From designs to prints and quality, their fabrics are all you need to stay on trend.