Craft
Aari embroidery is where a tiny hooked needle creates intricate designs with incredible precision. The process begins with a pattern, lightly dotted onto fabric, stretched tight on a wooden frame. The needle then works its magic, stitching natural motifs like birds, flowers, and vines.
The threads used are anything but ordinary—rich cotton, smooth silk, and shimmering zari that adds a touch of luxury. With Zari Zardozi, the embroidery takes on a metallic brilliance, making each piece a standout. Whether on sarees, kurtis, or accessories, Aari embroidery blends tradition with modern flair, turning fabric into something truly special.
Tie-dye is a textile art that brings fabric to life with vibrant patterns. It starts with folding, twisting, or crumpling the material, which is then secured with strings or rubber bands. After a dip in a dye bath, the fabric is left to dry, and when the bindings are removed, the result is a burst of unique, colorful designs.
From playful spirals and dots to intricate mandalas and stripes, tie-dye transforms ordinary fabric into something extraordinary. With its roots in India and Indonesia, tie-dye is famous for its bold, saturated colors and has recently made a comeback as a symbol of change and optimism, adding a splash of personality to everything from clothes to pillows.
Crochet is a needlework art that uses a hooked tool to create fabric by looping yarn together. The name "crochet" comes from the French word for "hook." It starts with a slip-knot loop on the hook, and by pulling new loops through, the fabric takes shape. You can also start with a magic ring or by folding the yarn.
Crochet is incredibly versatile, letting you create everything from blankets and sweaters to toys and home decor. With styles like amigurumi for stuffed toys and aran for cable patterns, there’s a technique for every project.
Kantha is a traditional embroidery that began in the homes of Bengal's common folk, making it one of India’s oldest embroidery forms. The name "kantha" comes from the Sanskrit word *kontha*, meaning "rags," as it involves stitching together layers of old clothing with a simple running stitch. This technique gives the fabric a slightly wrinkled look and has been used to create items like light blankets, baby swaddles, bags, prayer mats, and pillow covers.
Historically, Kantha was a skill passed down from mother to daughter, with each piece taking months or even years to complete. The designs often tell stories—daily life, folk tales, mythological scenes, and nature. As a sustainable craft, Kantha transforms leftover textiles into beautiful, functional art, embracing the principles of recycling long before it became a trend.
Shibori is like tie-dye’s elegant, more artistic cousin. It’s all about taking fabric, twisting, folding, and tying it up in just the right way before giving it a dunk in dye. When you finally untie it, you’re left with beautiful, intricate patterns that are totally unique to each piece. The way the fabric resists the dye where it’s tied off creates these amazing designs, from delicate lines to bold shapes.
Practiced in craft clusters in Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, Shibori isn’t just a technique—it’s a way of preserving a rich tradition. Artisans pour their skill and creativity into every piece, making Shibori both a livelihood and an art form. Each item that comes out of the process carries its own distinct personality, with slight variations that make it truly one-of-a-kind. Shibori adds a touch of handcrafted charm and sophistication to everything it touches, making it a fun and stylish choice for anyone who loves something a little different.
