Tie & Dye

Major Centers Of Tie And Dye

The centers of tie and dye fabrics, especially in Gujarat are Jamnagar in Saurashtra (the water in this area brings out the brightest red while dying), and Ahmedabad. The finest bandhani work of Rajasthan comes from Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur, and Nathdwara. rajasthan is well known for its laheriya pattern - literally meaning waves. These are harmoniously arranged diagonal stripes, which were originally, dyed in the auspicious colors of yellow and red. pochampalli is also one of the three main traditional yarn-dyeing centers in the country. The process of making bandhani(tie and dye) varies in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Even the patterns, designs and craftmanship vary in both the regions. The craftsmen from Rajasthan are easily recognised because they grow a nail on their little finger to facilitate the lifting of cloth for tying or wear a small metal ring with a point. The Gujarati craftsmen prefer to work without these aids. The flow is much better when one works with one's bare hands as it assures no damage to the cloth. The dyeing and printing of textiles has become a highly developed craft in Gujarat. Bandhani, a form of tie-resist dyeing and patola are two outstanding examples of the Indian dyer's art.