Wrap Yourself in Pattern – Bandhani Shawls

by - Tuesday, May 11, 2021




Tied resist is a traditional technique that has been practiced in India for centuries. The Sanskrit origins of “Bandhani” also give us the term "bandana".  
Each dot is the result of creating a tiny peak in the cloth, and then tightly wrapping thread around the peak to resist the dye. Artisans work with precision as they slowly pattern the entire cloth - a lengthy process with an exquisite outcome.  The shawl becomes a pointallist masterpiece worked in cloth. 
Maiwa works directly with bandhani artisans working in the Kutch Desert of Gujarat, Western India.











The patterns above are created by applying a hand-tied stitch-resist technique known as bandhani in India and shibori in Japan. After the fabric is all stitched and bound tightly, it is then dipped in natural indigo, oxidized, then dipped again. The fabric is dipped and oxidized a several times to achieve the correct depth of shade, before it is unbound and the patterns are revealed.

The result is a deep, rich indigo patterning with light resisted motifs.

This fabric is handstitched by the bandhani artisans of Bagru, a group that lives and works alongside the dabu block printers. 







To our U.S. customers – don't forget that the exchange rate works in your favour, it's like an extra discount.

 

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