Gujarat is famous for its appliqué work. Old and worn-out clothes, meant to be thrown, are used in a very innovative manner to convert ordinary fabric into extraordinary one. This art form has significant value in this state from a traditional point of view.
A cloth is cut into various shapes featuring dancing peacock, elephants, warriors, bird and other similar decorative motifs. These pieces are then stitched onto a fabric. This work is reflected in various garments, wall hangings and other similar showpieces. Often the appliqué work is combined with embroidery and mirror work to create an enhanced effect.
The style varies with regions and communities. The Dhanedah Jats uses stripes of colored clothes called ‘kingris’ for appliqué. Tiny spiked buttonhole stitches are used along with a crisscross edging. Members of the Mahajan, Kathi and Satwara community of Saurashtra stitch large pieces of clothes cut in a geometric fashion. The resultant product has an overall geometric appearance. The Rabri community of Kutch uses a variety of pieces in the appliqué work. The pieces may be of soft patterned cotton cloth or may contain the famous bandhani prints. These pieces are colored in plain cream, green, yellow, orange or white. They are stitched onto a blue or brown colored fabric. The bride belonging to this community must have at least 3 pieces of clothes featuring this appliqué work.
