| India, the land of diverse cultures, of diverse customs, | | | | shaped patches sewn unto cotton cloth. |
| of diverse languages and habits, and of diverse arts | | | | Expressing the stark monotony of the engulfing |
| and crafts, yet united together by a single bond, its | | | | deserts, the patchwork items of the westernmost |
| cultural richness, its art and craft, known to the world | | | | states of Gujarat and Rajasthan reveal the |
| since ages. Patchwork, a sibling of the rich handcraft | | | | imaginations and innovations of the craftsman. Bold |
| and art of the Indian subcontinent. | | | | and beautiful, created with warmth and artistry, patch |
| Also known as piecing, patchwork involves joining | | | | work still remains the integral art of the western states. |
| together pieces of fabric into a larger design. Patches | | | | From patchwork quilts and bedcovers to patchwork |
| of various shapes and colors lead to the making of a | | | | wall hangings , runners and cushion covers, the range |
| larger design, usually based on repeat patterns. | | | | of patchwork items is a great one. When used in the |
| Patchwork, one of the primary construction techniques | | | | making of a quilt, the large colorful composite |
| of quilting, is often combined with appliqué. Basic | | | | patchwork becomes the top of a three layered quilt, |
| geometric shapes are usually used in the making of | | | | the middle layer being the batting and the bottom layer |
| most of the patch work items which need precise | | | | the backing. The patchwork quilts are tinged with |
| joining so that it lies without puckers. | | | | warmth and color, an artistic appeal sprinkled all |
| Patch work in India is mainly associated with the | | | | through. A patchwork quilt is a respite from the staid |
| westernmost states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, though | | | | conventional ones. |
| Punjab and Orissa also practices this craft. Various | | | | Patch work bedcovers and patchwork bed spreads |
| coloured and patterned fabrics of different shapes and | | | | are a modern way to give a traditional touch. A |
| sizes are together on a plain background. An important | | | | karwachauth celebration with a patchwork bedcover |
| feature characterizing Indian patchwork is that the | | | | becomes more celebrative. A patchwork bedcover |
| stitches of the patches are not hidden but are done | | | | would make any festival more celebrative, more |
| with jazzy shades which get highlighted, adding a more | | | | colorful. |
| artistic appeal. | | | | A newer trend is setting in of using patchwork in |
| Making its way to India from Europe and Arabia, | | | | decorative items. Patch work wall hangings are a |
| patchwork in an important craft in the country now, | | | | traditional way to add color to every living room. |
| creating a unique art making dramatic use of colour. | | | | Mounted onto a plain staid background, a patchwork |
| Gujarati patchwork items are the most well known | | | | wall hanging looks gorgeous and fashionable. |
| ones. Highly ornamented with motifs, the magical spell | | | | Take a break from staid leather, black and |
| of patch work items lies in the contors of each | | | | brown……use patchwork cushion |
| individual. Glaring motifs of trees, birds and animals in | | | | covers, an easy way to earn compliments, and |
| bold colors can be seen in each patchwork item - | | | | approvals for your designer outlook.indianhandicrafts.co. |