Indian Art of Tie and Die

History of Tie and Dye
The art of tie and dye has been liberally used by the dyers across th globe to render beautiful colors to the simple looking fabric. This art of coloring the fabric is more prevalent in India and especially in North western state of India, Rajasthan. Coming to India ca take you closer to the lovely art of tie an dye. The appearance of simple cloth is enhanced by the art of dying. The fashionable style of west got popular as a part of hippie style in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The trend was further intensified by famous musicians like John Sebastian and Janis Joplin.

Methods of Tie and Dye
The art of dying is very difficult but of course, it demands some patience and skills. The conventional form of dying the cloth is to tie the cloth with thread and then dying it using different colors. The first thing dyers do for dying is washing and degumming the fabric. Then they wrap and fold the cloth into many patterns and styles. Red mud color blocks are used and thread is wound round the cloth. The process of dying is carried out by dying the lightest color dyed first followed by the darker hues. The threads are disentangled hen the fabric dries and beautiful patterns are ready.

Folds and Patterns of Tie and Dye
The fabric can be twisted and turned in anyway you desire. Each fold gives a different look altogether. The common folds and patterns are:

Spiral Pattern
V Shaped Pattern
Random Styles
Random Circles
Coin Pattern
Stone Pattern

Major Centers of Tie and Dye in India
Rajasthan and Gujarat are the main centers of tie and dye in India. These states produce a large variety of bandhini printed fabrics. The major regions that have helped in tie and dye popularity are : -

Jamnagar in Saurashtra
Ahmedabad in Gujarat
Bikaner
Jaipur
Jodhpur
Barmer
Pali
Udaipur
Nathdwara
Pochmapalli

Fabrics of Tie and Dye
Beautiful fabrics can be made from the art of tie and dye. Flaunt elegant pieces of:
Saris
Odhani
Handkerchiefs
Shawls
Lehanga choli (Long Skirt and blouse)
Turbans
Shirts
T shirts
Tops
Bedsheets
Cushion covers
Pillow covers
Table cloth

The followings can be tied and dyed very easily to have chic pieces of this art:
1.Cotton
2.Chiffon
3.Georgette
4.Woolen