Bandhani / tie-dye workshop
Our Bandhani or tie-dye workshop begins with fabric selection, choosing lightweight cotton, silk, or muslin that best absorbs vibrant colors and showcases fine patterns. Participants then mark their design and carefully tie tiny portions of the fabric with thread, creating knots to resist dye and form intricate dots and shapes. Next, the tied fabric is dipped in natural or synthetic dyes, often in multiple stages, producing layered, colorful patterns while the tied sections remain uncolored. Finally, the knots are untied, the fabric is dried and ironed, revealing beautiful traditional Bandhani patterns ready to wear or display as a unique piece of Indian textile art.
Fabric Selection
The workshop begins by selecting the ideal fabric, typically lightweight cotton, silk, or muslin—perfect for absorbing vibrant colors and showcasing intricate Bandhani patterns.
Design Mapping & Tying
Participants learn the craft of marking designs with chalk and then meticulously tying tiny portions of the fabric using thread to create knots. These knots act as resist points that determine the pattern of dots and shapes characteristic of Bandhani.
Dyeing Process
Next, the tied fabric is dipped into natural or synthetic dyes, often in multiple colors. The careful immersion and repeated dyeing create layered, vibrant patterns, while the tied sections resist the dye, preserving intricate white spots.
Drying and Finishing
After dyeing, the knots are untied, revealing stunning patterns. The fabric is then sun-dried and ironed to fix the colors, concluding with a polished Bandhani textile ready to wear or display.