Tie and dye is a very popular textile art form that has been captivating the world with its vibrant patterns and intricate designs for a very long time. This craft entails binding, folding, or stitching fabric before dyeing— a process that gives birth to joyous colour combinations and exquisite designs. Let us understand this world of bandhani tie and dye, its process, and its relationship with the rich art of bandhani.
The magic of tie and dye lies in its simple yet creative approach. Let us understand the basics of the process:
The fabric is first washed and prepared to remove any impurities it might have. This is done to ensure that no impurities interfere with the further binding and dyeing process.
The fabric is folded, twisted, or stitched in distinct ways to create the desired unique patterns. This is where the artist's creativity shines.
Here the folded fabric is immersed in dye or painted with it, allowing the colour to penetrate the desired areas. The twisted or stitched parts of the fabric resist the dye, creating the characteristic tie-dye patterns.
Once the dyeing is complete, the fabric is unfolded carefully to reveal the patterns created by the dyeing process. Next, the fabric is washed, dried, and ironed allowing the colours to set.
The term Bandhani was derived from the word Bandhan which means tying up. It is a renowned Indian textile art form intricately linked to tie and dye. It is a specific tie and dye technique where tiny knots are tied on the fabric before it is dyed to get the desired patterns, called the bandhani pattern. This art form originated from the Khatri Community of Gujarat and went on to become a very popular master in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The breathtaking designs of the intricate bandhani patterns adorn a variety of garments and are loved across the globe for their uniqueness, especially the charming bandhani sarees.
Numerous tie and dye techniques produce distinct and captivating patterns. Let us explore a few popular ones:
In Hindi, the term "Ekdali" means "single dot." One huge dot, located in the centre of each knotted cluster, is what distinguishes these sarees from others. This minimalistic pattern hence produces a neat, classy, yet playful appeal. The Ek Dali pattern can be customised by varying the spacing between the knots. Closely spaced knots create a denser pattern with smaller dots, while wider spacing creates a more open look with larger dots. Ek Dali can be used with a single dye colour or multiple colours for a more vibrant look.
As the name suggests, this pattern of bandhani is tied and dyed in such a way that the knots of the fabrics when opened resemble the popularly loved Indian sweets laddu and jalebi. This pattern adds a touch of whimsy and playfulness to bandhani fabrics. The laddu jalebi pattern is a beloved choice for its playful and auspicious connotations. Circles are often seen as symbols of completeness and eternity. It's a versatile design that can be incorporated into various garments like sarees, dupattas, and lehengas.
Tie and dye is a captivating art form that offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Whether it's the intricate patterns of bandhani or the experimental designs of modern tie-dye, this technique continues to inspire and fascinate people around the world.
If you are a lover of intricately crafted bandhani sarees, Bandhani Villa’s collection will surely impress you. Check out the designs now!
