What makes Kalamkari Fabric special?
Are you tired of seeing the same prints in your wardrobe every day? Looking to add something unique and extraordinary to your wardrobe? Your search ends here. You have landed in the world of elegant cotton fabrics of a huge variety. We carry a huge collection of handpicked rayon and Cotton Kalamkari Fabric that carries your heart.
India is a hub of elegant textiles of a huge variety; it carries a legacy of elaborate patterns and vivid poetic designs woven into the fabric. And kalamkari is one of the unique fabrics that has been saving wardrobes for years. It was a unique sample of Indian artistry. The poetic blend of history, storytelling, craftsmanship, and culture sets it apart from any other regular designs. Today, in the world of fast fashion and unique designs, kalamkari stands solid for its authenticity, uniqueness, and artistic value. The charm of freehand drawing in the fabric is eye-soothing and unique.
History of Kalamkari Fabric
Kalamkari has been around for centuries and has been popular among fashion enthusiasts. It was first introduced in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions. The word "Kalamkari" is derived from combining two words. "Kalam" and "Kari." Kalam replicates a pen or brush, where "Kari" is used for art or craftsmanship. It translates to "art done by pen or brush." It reflects the art of designing the fabric with a pen or a brush. Earlier, the fabric depicted mythological stories, temple scenes, folktales, and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These artistic fabrics were so gilded that they were mainly designed to be used in temples or royal places for a royal look. So the art of Kalamkari Print Fabric connects us to humanity and our history.
Techniques of Kalamkari Printing.
One of the coolest things about the kalamkari fabrics is how they are made. Crafting kalamkari requires a precise approach from start to finish. Kalakmkari fabrics are made with two different handprinting techniques named Machalipatnam and Srikalahasti. Both carry their own unique qualities and charm. These crafts come from two different regions of India: Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Srikalahasti in Tamil Nadu.
Machilipatnam: It is a block-printed technique dipped in organic dyes. Artisans use carved wooden blocks to print repetitive patterns and designs. This helps in faster production than handprinting and crafts a design of complex and repeating patterns. These designs are perfect for dress materials, kurtas, home décor, and bedsheets.
Srikalahasti: In this technique, fabric is designed using a bamboo pen (Kalam). This involves freehand design of figures, borders, and motifs purely by hand. This 100% handprint technique requires immense patience and artistic skills. This style has been used for years for storytelling panels and is mostly used for sarees, dupattas, and dress materials.
Characteristics of Kalamkari Print Fabric
1. Natural Dyes: One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Kalamkari fabric Online is its 100% natural dyes. This is one of the biggest reasons the fabric is treasured and holds a very strong stand in the textile market. These are made with daily-use natural sources that make them eco-friendly, skin-friendly, and long-lasting. The colors are soft, earthy, and soothing—not too loud, yet very rich.
2. Handmade designs: Each fabric is meticulously handmade and is designed by skilled artisans who guarantee its uniqueness and genuineness.
3. Artistic designs: Numerous kalamkari designs are not just designs; these artworks portray tales and stories from Indian mythology, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, reinforcing the rich heritage of India.
4. Cultural connection: Kalamkari is not just a fabric; it is an artistic creation. It represents the classic art and culture in every hue that comes from their roots in Indian customs.
5. Versatile use: The most special thing about kalamkari is it versatility. It can be used in many ways. These fabrics are ideal for fashion items such as sarees, dupattas, kurtis, dress materials, stoles and scarves, bags, and more. They are also used in home decor items such as bedspreads, curtains, Wall panels, and cushion covers.
A 23-Step Process:
The process of creating kalamkari fabric is not of one day; it involves an elaborate, time-consuming, and completely handcrafted process. The process has 23 meticulous steps that include bleaching, softening, and sun-drying of the fabrics. After preparing and mixing natural pigments, applying each color individually, and rinsing the Cotton Kalamkari Fabric between every color application. This meticulous method is a testament to the artisans' incredible dedication. No wonder each Kalamkari piece feels like a work of art.
Kalamkari's Global Appeal
This India-originated fabric is not only popular in India but also holds a strong place across the world. This fabric and design have won hearts globally—from luxury designers to global fashion labels that encourage handcrafted textiles. From traditional motifs that are still loved to the modern contemporary floral prints, abstract art, and pastel tones, the art has grown in itself. Now the unique blend of tradition and modernity keeps kalamkari relevant for many purposes. The Kalamkari Fabric is incorporated by many designers in many ways, including haute couture gowns, boho-inspired collections, home decor catalogs, and many more. The globally loved fabric is living proof that art and craftsmanship never go out of style.
