The people of India have been in this business for more than 2000 years. Textile has always played an important role in Indian trade and business. India exports its textile products to numerous countries to boost their economy and strengthen international relationships. We can see clear traces of different types of Indian textiles in Rome, the USA, the UK, China, and Egypt.

We all know that India is a country that has various cultures, rituals, traditions, and geographic landscapes. Its varied geographical regions and climates provide a huge range of plant fibers and natural dyes that they use to manufacture various types of textile items.

You will see unique styles in the textile products according to the region and also these styles reflect the cultural diversity and artistic brilliance of its people.

We have explained here Indian fabric prints and traditional patterns in every detail according to their uniqueness, style, etc.

Block Prints

Block printing is also known as “stamping” or “hand block printing”. It is the oldest, and simplest of all methods of textile printing. Also, it is the slowest technique as craftsmen do this printing by hand.

To do this printing craftsmen use a piece of wood that is cut and carved by hand. Then the stamp is impregnated with vegetable dye and applied to the textile. Vegetable dye is a mixture of natural pigments and water.

Various types of wood can be used for block printing e.g. Teak wood (known as Sagaun in India), Indian rosewood, pine, etc. The first part of block printing is to create wood blocks in various patterns.

Then these designs will be placed on the fabric with different colors, each block has its own color. As this is done manually so not all products will be identical. You may see some difference in every product in terms of color, brightness, designs etc.

You can do multi-color printing in block printing and for this various blocks are used like background block, outline block, and filler block.

This printing can be done on any kind of fabric, but it is mostly used on cotton and silk fabric. This is used on a wide range of clothing like sarees, scarves, shirts, and dresses, as well as home textiles like curtains, tablecloths, and cushion covers.

Bandhani print

Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, is a tie and dye method. The word Bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word Banda.

This particular type of print was introduced by the Khatris in the Indian state of Gujarat. Khatris are traditionally cloth dyers & printers. This printed fabric is mainly produced in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh.

This print has remained popular among people for many years. To make Bandhani prints, small knots are made on the cloth and tied in different designs and then they are colored with different colors.

This type of print is done on cotton, georgette and chiffon fabrics. Bandhani is used to create beautiful garments for both men and women.

Women’s products related to bandhani print are sarees, Anarkali, lehengas, kurti, dupattas, skirts, gowns etc.

Men’s products related to bandhani print are kurtas, sherwanis, Nehru jackets, turbans, ties, etc.

Kalamkari print

The word Kalamkari is made of two words i.e. Kalam (Pen) and Kari (craftmanship). So if a person does artwork on cotton fabric with the help pen then we can say it Kalamkari. 

There are more than twenty steps that are used in this type of work. Craftsmen use only natural dyes in Kalamkari printing. The pen that is used in this printing is made of bamboo.

This type of artwork is mainly done in India & Iran. Andhra Pradesh (Indian State) is very famous for this printing. There are two major forms of Kalamkari print i.e. Srikalahasthi & Machilipatnam style. 

Artisans create many kinds of products with Kalamkari printing e.g. sarees, shawls, cushion covers, bedspreads, wall hangings, bags, curtains etc.

The post Indian Fabric Prints and Traditional Patterns on Textiles appeared first on Koyna.

There are several reasons for the same:

• Some things, like spices, are only found in India. People from around the world buy these from very ancient times.
• India makes certain items at really good prices.
• Indian craftsmen have been making stuff for generations, passing down skills and expertise through their family’s traditions, like wood items, stone items, leather products, etc.

So now you know why you should buy things from India and below we have explained what are the items to shop from India to the USA.

Spices

India is known for its rich flavors and spices, which play an essential role in its traditional cuisines.

From the delicate sweetness of cardamom to the captivating heat of cayenne pepper, Indian cuisine boasts a distinctive taste profile.

India produces many spices, mainly in the south of the country. You can also see spice plantations in southern Indian states e.g. Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, etc.

According to data– “In 2022-23 India produced around 11.14 million tonnes of spices and exports from India rose to US$ 3.73 billion in the same period.”

The most produced and exported spices are pepper, chili, ginger, cardamom, turmeric, coriander, cumin, etc.

If you are a foody person and love spicy foods, then you can buy these items very easily from India. Currently, many e-commerce platforms are selling these products and delivering them to your doorstep.

Handicrafts products

In India, Handicrafts are very rich and particularly varied. Each region and each village has its traditions, transmitted from generation to generation.

Weaving textiles, printing on fabric, embroidery, paintings, working with marble, wood, metal, leather, and jewelry creation, you will get everything here. Indians are very creative and talented. Explore wooden items & marble items that you can buy.

As we mentioned earlier each region of India boasts its distinct craft traditions, so you will get many kinds of handicraft items to purchase from here.

You can choose handwoven textiles from Varanasi. You can get carved wooden sculptures as well as precious and semi-precious stones from Rajasthan. If you are looking for elegant metalwork then you can head to Tamil Nadu and for embroidery items you can explore Gujarati items.

Tea

India produces various teas and Indian teas are very different from each other, and also from other teas around the world.

Darjeeling is very famous for the production of Tea. Darjeeling black tea is often called “tea champagne”. 

You can also select Assam to purchase different types of tea. Assam is a state in northeastern India that is well known for its tea plantations. 

If you are interested in buying teas from India to the USA then we recommend you add ‘Masala Tea’ to your cart.

Masala is a blend of various spices, including cloves,  cardamom,  fennel seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and star anise. You will be amazed once you try this masala tea.

Ayurvedic products

Ayurveda is a centuries-old traditional practice in India. Ayurveda is recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a complete system of traditional medicine.

Most Ayurvedic products are made with natural ingredients derived from plants, herbs, minerals, and other organic sources. These products are very useful for your hair, eyes, stomach, skin etc. You can buy these products from India, but we recommend buying only from registered businesses.

Carpets

Indian rugs have their own style, from casual to comfortable, from luxurious to contemporary,  and from classic to modern rugs. These carpets can change the entire ambiance of your interior.

Just change the style. For example, to create a formal space you can use a short pile rug or make it casual to “fill out” your style statement.

There are thousands of rug styles available in the Indian market that can reflect your lifestyle. You can choose and buy a rug style ranging from traditional to contemporary, bright colors to boldly patterned rugs to match your furnishings to create a focal point.

Bhadohi, also known as the carpet city, is a district of Uttar Pradesh and about 16 km away from the city of Varanasi. This city manufactures various kinds of colorful, handmade carpets, and around 65,000 artisans in the district are associated with this work.

Jewelry

India is one of the best destinations for jewelry. You will get various designs in silver jewelry, gold pieces, and custom jewelry.

All Indian cities are full of jewelry stores and the design of Indian jewelry remains very different from all other countries.

You can buy these jewelry items for both men and women. For women, there are various options like necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, anklets, pendants, bangles etc.

And if you want to buy men’s jewelry from India to the USA, you have many options like rings, bracelets, tie pins, watches, etc. Also, you can buy precious stones from India at a very affordable rate.

Handmade paper products

India offers several kinds of handmade paper products. These products showcase the country’s traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Some popular handmade paper products that you can buy from India are notebooks, journals, diaries, greeting cards, handmade paper gift wraps, wall hangings, paper lanterns, and reusable paper bags.

You can buy office supplies like folders, file covers, envelopes, and desk organizers from India to the USA at a very affordable price.

Bamboo Items

We all know that bamboo is renewable, recyclable, and durable, so we always recommend buying bamboo items to protect our environment.

The North-Eastern region of India comprises eight states and has a good amount of bamboo resources. Assam is one of the northeastern states of India and produces the maximum amount of bamboo. Most of its forests are throbbing with bamboo plantation of various species.

People from these 8 states craft various kinds of bamboo items that you can select. Some of the most selling products are- bamboo sticks, bamboo paper, bamboo trays, bamboo cups etc. Also, you can buy clothing items made from bamboo like a towel, handkerchiefs etc.

Conclusion

There are a variety of items available in the Indian market that you can buy from India to the USA at a very affordable price without compromising on quality. And the best part is that all these goods reflect India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

The post Things to Buy from India to USA appeared first on Koyna.

Many people are frustrated by the fact that the embroidery is a different color and texture from the fabric it is attached to; typically the embroidery threads are more delicate than the clothing itself. However, with a few tricks of the trade you can make your embroidered pieces last for decades.

We have written a complete guide on how you can wash your embroidered clothes, but before you read that, first know a little about embroidery.

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is an ancient form of needlework that has been used around the world to embellish textiles for decorative and communication purposes. Embroidery transforms a simple piece of fabric into a work of art. Typically, embroidery is executed with cotton, wool, silk, or linen threads.

Embroidery has a long history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. It has been used to decorate clothing, household items, religious objects, and more.

There are two types of embroidery i.e. Hand embroidery and machine embroidery.

Hand embroidery is the traditional form of embroidery done by hand. Machine embroidery uses sewing machines or embroidery machines to create patterns on textiles.

Techniques and stitches in embroidery

• Running Stitch: This is a simple stitch used for outlining.
• Backstitch: This is used for outlining as well but gives a more solid line.
• Satin stitch: Used for filling in shapes with a smooth, satiny finish.
• Chain stitch: It creates a series of looped stitches that form a chain-like pattern.
• French knots: Small knots are used to add dimension to embroidery.

Now you know about embroidery and its techniques so coming back to your question–

How to wash clothes with embroidery

Washing embroidered clothes requires special care to preserve the embroidery and the fabric. To help avoid the two biggest problems in embroidery maintenance – popped threads and color bleeding – follow these laundering instructions:

The first thing, before you go to wash your machine or hands embroidered clothes, is to check the care label for any specific instructions or restrictions. There can be some instructions related to cleaning from the manufacturer of the clothes.

Carefully read these instructions to understand the recommended care. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial. Once you have done that, you can proceed with the next steps.- 

Spot removers

Spot removers are a big help in cleaning embroidered clothing, as long as you follow all the directions on the cleaning fluid container. A bleach pen or equivalent stain remover can work wonders if used sparingly.

We recommend always using a mild detergent, preferably one designed for delicate fabrics. You should avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, these can harm your cloths and embroidery work.

Tape over it

To keep your embroidered designs safe in the washing machine, tape a piece of clean white cloth to the outside of the embroidery before washing. This will also offer some protection against localized color bleeding.

Cool it

Use the cold water setting on your washing machine. Your clothes will come out just as clean, but the cold water results in less wear and tear on your garments. If you are skeptical, set the wash cycle a little longer.

Delicate cycle

As mentioned, cleaning embroidered clothes is challenging because you’re dealing with a very tough garment (like denim) and also a very delicate embroidered decoration. Therefore, always treat any embroidered item as a delicate fabric in the wash cycle.

Delicate threads

You should always read the clothing labels for specific laundering instructions but remember that those instructions usually pertain to the garment, not the embroidery. You can machine wash embroidered clothes on the delicate cycle using cold water but be sure to use gentle laundry soap and avoid wringing or rubbing the embroidery.

Wash colored embroidery separately from whites, and don’t over-stuff the washing machine. Dry embroidered clothes right away in a dryer on medium heat, or inside-out in the sun.

Care of embroidered clothing

• Follow all laundering instructions on the clothing label carefully.
• If you can, hand wash in a delicate soap; if not, use the delicate setting on your washing machine.
• For clothing that is stained but not dirty, try using a spot remover first.
• To spot clean an embroidered garment on the spot, blot with club soda and a clean rag.
• Clean stains from outside and work toward the center. Use a blow dryer to make sure it dries evenly.
• You can dry clean your embroidered garments, but be sure to discuss it with your dry cleaner beforehand.
• Turn the garment inside out before ironing, use the low heat setting, and protect the embroidery by placing a clean cloth between the iron and the garment; never use the steam setting.
• Add fabric softener to the final rinse water but don’t pour it directly on an embroidered piece.
• When it comes to ironing a hand-embroidered garment avoid ironing directly on the front side; instead, iron them on the backside.

For garments that aren’t really soiled, a quick spray of fabric freshener along with a spot-remover pen will get them looking as good as new.

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