Applique is a technique where an ornamental needlework piece of cloth is sewn on a large piece to form picture or pattern. Appliqué is used to decorate an aspect of a garment or product. The technique is accomplished either by hand or machine. The technique is famous for printed fabrics, which is trendier nowadays. These are designed into the pattern.
In ancient Egypt, these types of work on clothes were very famous. During the middle ages, this was used on heraldic and ecclesiastical banners and ceremonial clothing. In present times many fashion designer uses applique techniques on cloth. Elsa Schiaparelli, Franco MOS chino, Gianni Versace, bob Mackie, and Christian Francois Roth to name a few.
This work can be done manually as well as with the help of machines. Handmade work is more beautiful as compared to the machine made work. Presently machine made work is more prevalent as it consumes less time and produces more. Now’s a day’s demand for these type of work has accelerated.
Applique method of designing cloth is very prevalent in the areas of Gujarat, Bihar, Karnataka, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh.
In Orissa, Appliqué work has its own creative values as here this craft is used for festive decoration in the temple of Lord Jagannath as well as in homes. In Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, these techniques are used in wall hangings furnishings fabrics, garden umbrellas, and dress material. Also in Kashmir, the ‘gabber’ (floor covering) is made up from appliqué technique, by reusing worn out woolen blankets and woolen stripes.
At swadesi also we have some products which depict appliqué work. Just take a look
https://www.swadesi.com/romantic-boy-n-cute-girl-love-hearts-cushions-pair-1172.html
https://www.swadesi.com/romantic-boy-n-cute-girl-love-hearts-cushions-pair-2431.html
Taruna Aggarwal.
