Khatwa Art of Bihar

Khatwa Art of Bihar

Appliques have been in the game of designs for a long time. It is basically ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric in different shapes and patterns are sewn together onto a larger piece of fabric to form a picture or pattern.

No matter whether it’s a luxurious or a regular craft expo product, applique has made it to every major fashion industry today.  This work of applique and patchwork is also carried out in Bihar which is locally known as khatwa.

 

Khatwa art of Bihar - Patna Diaries

The technique of this art varies from region to region and from community to community. This includes the use of both hand and machine embroidery methods. It is commonly used as a decorative patchwork on garments or products. Human figures, trees, flowers, animals, and birds are mainly made using this method. Circular cut-work is for the central motifs and quarter-circles are used for the corners. Waste pieces of cloth are used as raw materials for this craft and are usually done on white cloths with brighter backgrounds. Patchwork designs of different sizes, shapes, and colors are arranged in a captivating manner.

The process of doing this craft is not much complicated but might require a lot of time.

Khatwa art of Bihar - Patna Diaries

Before one begins, one needs to create a template for each shape that one wants to assign to the applique. After this, the design is made on the tracing screen for symmetrical marking and uniformity. Then the designs are marked on the fabric with the help of a marking mixer for the embroidery work. Once these steps are completed then we set the marked fabric on a wooden frame as doing this provides a steadiness for the fabric to work on. The desired designs are then embroidered with different stitches to achieve the required results.  Many find it useful to use toothpicks or stiletto to turn under the edges, especially at the corners where it is bulkier, then continue sewing the applique until your piece of work is ready.

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