Thursday, July 16, 2015

Origin of the Bandanna & New Hand Prints on Cotton

Or, is it more commonly spelled, bandana?

Actually, there is a traditional tie-dye technique practiced in India and other regions of South Asia, known as Bandhani. Bandhani comes from the Sanskrit word banda, meaning to tie or hold.

Or, to bind.

There is also this possible historical and etymological connection:

Bandhani ---> Bandanna

While the neck-worn bandannas we are most familiar with are printed patterns on cotton, authentic bandhani is hand tied and dyed. The finished pieces are imbued with pointillist patterns composed of tiny geometries. Individual design elements may also "hold" a significance to it's maker--and the maker's lineage.

Larger than a simple neckerchief, the textiles shown here measure 24" x 78" when fully stretched. The pleated effect of the untied bandhanis results in a somewhat reduced scale, and a characteristic elasticity--or spring--is imparted to the textile. To maintain this pleated texture, dry clean--or otherwise avoid laundering.
Intricate Patterns on Tussar Silk and Satin Silk Weaves


Excellent for horseback riding or chilling on the mountain & mesa
Book Credit: Tie-Dyed Textiles of India: Tradition and Trade, 1991, Veronica Murphy, Rosemary Crill
Dyed & Untied / Claim Your Bandanna
Distinctive Sunburst Pattern
New / Block-Printed Cotton Voile Fabrics / 44" Wide
Monochrome batik on lightweight cotton
All-over floral
New patterns to choose from