" Where colors bloom and knots entwine,
On fabric, ancient stories shine.
With nimble fingers, a dance takes form,
The art of Bandhej hand to hand, warm.
Craft whispered through ages, grand and old,
Each tiny knot, a story bold.
Secure the fabric, white and bright,
Into the dye pot, colors take flight. "
The Art of Bandhani : Tradition and Technique
Introducing you to this timeless tradition through the beauty of poetry of Bandhej, also known as Bandhani, is a tie-dye art that times back over 5,000 years to the vibrant lands of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
" Illustrate designs on paper, where your visions come alive.
Trace the motif onto fabric, where patterns take their dive."
In the first step, sketch the motif on paper with creativity and precision. Then, transfer the paper designs onto the fabric using temporary dye and a brush.
“Pinch the fabric, small sections tight, Tie them with thread, firm and bright.”
Different threads, such as cotton or polyester, are used, and the size, thickness, and volume of the Bandhani design can be adjusted accordingly. Pinch small sections of the fabric, gather them tightly, and then secure each gathered section firmly with thread. Use a knotting needle to raise the cloth for further tying.
"Immerse the cloth in dye's embrace, A base color to fill the space."
The next step is to completely submerge the fabric in the dye bath to wash off the temporary dye (chhapai), ensuring that the dye absorbs evenly and creates a uniform base color across the entire cloth.
"Dip once more in hues so bold, A tapestry of stories told."
Then Re-dip the fabric into additional dye baths for vibrant new colors, layering the shades to create complex and colorful patterns.
"Dry the fabric, let it rest, Ready now for the final test."
After dyeing, hang the dyed fabric to dry completely before revealing the patterns.
"Carefully untie each thread's hold, Intricate patterns now unfold."
After the cloth has completely dried, gently remove the knots to release the tied sections of the fabric, revealing the intricate patterns created by the resist-dyeing process.
“Rinse the fabric in water’s flow, Colors set, and patterns glow.”
In the last final step, thoroughly rinse the fabric in water to remove excess dye and allow the colors to set, revealing the vibrant patterns.
Kirgiti X Bandhani
At Kirgiti, we honor tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring the legacy of Bandhani continues to thrive in a modern world. Bandhani, an Indian classical print known for its intricate tie-dye patterns, is typically seen on silk and cotton fabrics. However, we've reimagined this timeless artistry by incorporating it into stretchable knitted cotton cloth that breathes, bends, and moves with you. In a market saturated with traditional Bandhani print fabrics, Kirgiti ventures into new territory by offering this exquisite craft in a modern, flexible fabric. You can now buy sustainable fashion stretchable Bandhej blouses from Kirgiti, blending the elegance of Bandhani with the comfort of contemporary design.
We proudly collaborate with Bandhani artisans from the "Neelghar" community in Sikar, a 2-hour 16-minute drive (121.8 km) from Jaipur via NH 52. Despite the dwindling number of artisans and the lack of a structured Bandhani cluster, we are dedicated to reviving this beautiful craft by supporting and encouraging over 30 artisans, 95% of whom are women from backward communities. While some artisans are comfortable sharing their photos, others prefer not to. We are excited to introduce our ready-to-wear Bandhej blouses and showcase the incredible work of our talented artisans.
Meet The Artisan of Bandhej
Name - Pushpa Devi | Name - Shaukeen Bhai | Name - Sumitra Devi |
Age - 48 Years | Age - 48 Years | Age - 57 Years |
Artisan - Bandhani | Artisan - Khakha Tracer | Artisan - Bandhani |
Name - Zarina | Name - Mohmad Shahid Bhai | Name - Sunita Devi |
Age - 49 Years | Age - 37 Years | Age - 48 Years |
Artisan - Bandhani | Artisan - Dyer | Artisan - Bandhani |
Name - Matku | Name - Jannat | Name - Rukhmani Devi |
Age - 48 Years | Age - 48 Years | Age - 61 Years |
Artisan - Bandhani | Artisan - Bandhani | Artisan - Bandhani |
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