The Journey of Bandhani
Every dot of Bandhani is tied by hand with patience.
Since Bandhani has always been close to my heart, I knew I had to go to the place where it truly comes alive — Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Jamnagar is famous for its Bandhani-printed fabrics, a craft that’s been practiced here for generations. I wanted to see the process up close — to meet the people behind it, to understand the time, skill, and love that goes into each piece.
So I travelled there, met so many manufacturers and artisans — and honestly, it changed the way I look at clothing. Watching them tie each tiny dot by hand, with such patience and precision, was magical. It’s not just work for them — it’s tradition, it’s pride, it’s a legacy passed down through families.
Their passion, their attention to detail, and the way they speak about their craft truly inspired me. It reminded me why slow fashion matters — because behind every piece, there’s a real person, a real story. And I feel so grateful to be a small part of that journey — to take their work and share it with you through my designs.
The Bandhani Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Printing the Design
The process begins with the craftsman creating the design on paper. This design is then transferred onto white base fabric — sometimes using hand-drawn lines, and other times with wooden printing blocks for precision.
Step 2: Tying the Fabric
This step is where the magic begins. Skilled women artisans tie hundreds — sometimes thousands — of tiny knots (known as "bandhani dots") using fine thread. Each knot resists the dye, creating the signature patterns of Bandhani.
Step 3: Dyeing Process
The tied fabric is then dipped into vats of natural dye. Craftsmen add salt to help the color set, and the fabric is dyed carefully to achieve vibrant, long-lasting hues. Sometimes, this step is repeated multiple times for multi-colored Bandhani designs.
Step 4: Untying to Reveal the Patterns
Once the dyeing is complete, the fabric is dried — often hung along a dori (rope) under the sun. The knots are then untied, revealing the intricate Bandhani patterns that were hidden all along. This is my favorite moment — when the design finally comes to life.
Why Bandhani Matters to Me
Every Bandhani piece I use in my designs carries the hands and hearts of the artisans who made it. It’s slow, it’s thoughtful, and it’s filled with heritage. When you wear a Bandhani garment from Cutestcharm, you’re not just wearing fabric — you’re wearing a tradition that has been kept alive for centuries.
📌 Shop our latest Bandhani-inspired designs here → https://www.cutestcharmbyankita.com