APPLIQUE - A UNIQUE NEEDLE ART

  

Appliqué and patchwork have been known around the world and used in daily life for almost 2,500 years. The oldest surviving example of patchwork is an Egyptian canopy quilt from 980 B.C. Patchwork and appliqué were used in many cultures to create clothing, saddle blankets, tents, and other everyday items.

Shamiana applique is a traditional art form that originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the northern region of India and Pakistan. The word "shamiana" is derived from the Persian word "shamshir", which means "tent". The technique is traditionally used to decorate tents and other forms of temporary structures, such as canopies, used for festivals and ceremonies.

This craft is popular in the Saurashtra, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch regions of Gujarat. The color palette of appliqué artists of Gujarat varies from warm to cool, white on white, bright and festive to natural and neutral tones today.  This is one of Gujarat's oldest and finest crafts. The art form uses different patches of fabric in various colours and patterns that are placed together to create a multicoloured fabric much like a jigsaw puzzle. The work is used to create attractive, vibrant quilts, wall hangings, linen and clothing.

It was once mainly practised in Pipli, Odisha, especially for banners during the Lord Jagannatha Rath Yatra. Within Odisha, Puri city and Pipli town are renowned for the origination, tradition and survival of the art and craft of applique. Today, Pipli is known worldwide to be the centre for many artisans and workshops that still practice long established techniques in the creation of traditional and contemporary applique items. But today it also finds use as adornment on large canvas fabrics like the saree. Pipli craftsmen used to make canopies, banners, umbrellas and trasa (fans) for festivals held in Puri's famous temple.

Applique is usually done on the outline edges of the fabric. Satin stitch is another stitch that is used to overlap the fabric edges and attach it to the base fabric. Single layer appliqué is very popular and stitches very quickly. 

Overall, appliqué tends to be bold and graphic—less intricate than embroidery because of the cut-and-sew technique. The scale is bigger, thicker, and wider. Often times, the customer that chooses an appliqué style has a vibrant, decorative aesthetic. Applique cut work of  rectangle and white round tablecloths, bedspread and cushion cover are made and used in large numbers in regular ways.

Applique is a fun and easy technique that can be used to create a wide variety of designs, from simple shapes to more complex patterns. With a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful applique pieces that will add a personal touch to all your sewing projects.

In conclusion, Applique is a great way to add a personal touch to your sewing projects, it's easy to learn and can be applied to a wide variety of designs. With the right materials and a little practice, you'll be able to create beautiful applique pieces that will add a personal touch to all your sewing projects.

(This blogpost is a part of Blogchatter;'s #BLOGCHATTERA2Z2023)