Howdy?
It is New Year already! Time to bring in the new and say a few goodbyes. Last year was full of learning and hope it continues into this year too.
Traditional Indian fabrics have always fascinated me and more so now, when they are showing a sign of revival. Be it Chanderi or Tussar or a Pochampali or Pashmina or Paithani each one of them is gorgeous and so stunning. India has an age old tradition of weaving and the art is passed down the generations.
I was really fascinated by the history and technique of Ikat. It gives such a bohemian vibe. Did you know that in Ikat no two types of motifs or patterns are the same?
In Ikat coloured yarn in woven into a pattern at the same time the fabric is being woven. It is a complex process and the weaver should know exactly where a coloured thread should go in a bundle of yarn before the weaving process starts. It is a complex process and that is the reason Ikat is so renowned world over. From Central America to Far East each region has their version of Ikat and the yarn used also varies.
So as I am still totally in awe with Ikat I decided that I will paint my new kurta in an Ikat pattern. Here it is and I am so proud of myself this time for making new fabric painting designs!
We will need the following for the DIY –
- Plain Kurti
- Ikat Design
- Carbon Paper
- Pencil
- Fevicryl Fabric Colours
- Painting brushes
- Embroidery ring
I started the process with choosing a design which was a difficult task indeed; they are all so lovely! I narrowed down to a very traditional Odisha Ikat design. Once we have the design we need to trace it on the garment with the help of a carbon paper. Now the placement of the design will depend on the cut of the garment and your choice. I traced the design along the button line.
Decide the colours which will go best with the colour of the garment and plan the way the design has to be painted. Paint the design with a round, thin brush. In Ikat the paint application will not be flat. There will be multiple small vertical strokes of different shades to give it a feel of a weave.
Blend in the colours.
How to do it –
While fabric painting, ensure that the design is stretched using an embroidery ring for ease of use. Also ensure that the colour does not seep through the second layer of the garment.
Continue filling in the pattern till the end of the design. Let the paint dry. The curing period of the paints are 7 days and then the garment can be washed.
Isn’t it cool that one can make almost anything on a garment using Fabric colours. It just needs a bit of imagination and the possibilities are endless. You will find this hobby to be therapeutic and you won’t be able to just let go of it once you startfabric painting.
Do share your feedback and creations with me for such art and craft ideas!
Ciao till the next one.
