Authentic Ajrakh and Ikat Fabrics: Best From The Hands Of Indian Artisanary

Before the west took hold of the fabric business, Indian artisans used to make hand printed blocks and patterns on fabrics and dye them with their own hands. After the introduction of the machines and textile industries, so many Indian artisans lost their livelihood and the beautiful Ajrakh and Ikat prints were sadly left behind. Lately, due to the following trends and the constant resurgence of old styles and popular marketing via instagram, Ikat and Ajrakh have become a rage yet again and gained huge popularity amongst youth as well as the seniors. The Ajrakh sarees and lehengas have become a full blown outfit for everyone's navratri parties, or even at a spiritual outing or just a casual outing with friends. It has become an all rounder. Below are a few all-time favourite fabric prints  which can be designed and styled well according to the on-going trends.

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AHRIZ - PURE COTTON PRINTED KURTA FABRIC

As the name suggests, it is a pure cotton based fabric of 2.5 metres. From the brand of Ahriz, it is a multicolored base fabric designed to make a kurta or a blouse or any outfit of your own. The speciality of this fabric is that it is based on the Kalamkari prints which is basically Indian hand craftsmanship. The print is basically different patterns of flowers or shapes, or indoor temple paintings which depict the style of a specific cultural significance. This is the most popular fabric that is running rounds in the purchase history of every woman. Since it is pure cotton, it is advisable to handwash it gently and not make it a usual machine washing. And that too, washing it with cold water and avoiding bleach because it might ruin the softness of the fabric.The brand, Ahriz also provides a multitude of cotton prints in the same category and price range. 

MEHAK PRETTY CLOTHES - PURE COTTON KURTA FABRIC 

This is a cute white-based cotton fabric with colourful multicoloured print on it. The fabrics suggested for Ajrakh prints are mostly cotton to provide utmost comfort and a breathable feel. Hence these are preferable in almost every occasion. The code for this fabric is LongDance_1 and is quite to the point. The print labelled on the catalogue mentions “ Ajrakh Botanical Print Kalamkari Print”. This is basically the style type of kalamkari print which depicts women dancing and animals dancing making it a unique style of story telling. If we look closely, the pattern is very similar to cave drawings of a story. The fabric length is 2.5metres and is about the same price range. This has to be on your list of ehtnic prints.

DEEVA COLLECTIONS - COTTON MULTI PURPOSE FABRIC

This is a beautiful 3 metre handcrafted fabric based on ajrakh pattern. It has a rich maroon base pattern inspired by ajrakh kalamkari prints. The brand gives it in a continuous 3 metre fabric so that the user can customize it according to his preference. The fabric comes in a soft, lightweight material and in a bright maroon giving it a festive style. It can be used to make gowns or an ethnic frockwear as well. The patterns are pretty with flower based motifs and have similar motifs based on the same pattern. It is advisable to gently cold wash it as well becaus of the soft fabric and the wearing off of the fabric and handwash as well. This makes a perfect combination for casual outings.

SOIMOI - COTTON MULTIPURPOSE FABRIC 

It is a lovely ikat fabric with multicolored prints of black,blue,white color patches. It is an unstitched pattern of a one whole metre which might be very suitable for a blouse stitching or a short kurti or a shirt stitching as preferred by the customers or maybe what's trending these days. It is made out of pure cotton fabric and it is said to be washed by cold water. Hot water may be a reason that the fabric loses its color because the fabric is so soft in nature. These are perfect for summers and are a relief from scorching heat and humidity. It is so breathable fabric that it makes it a lovely experience.

NK TEXTILES - COTTON BLEND KURTA FABRIC GEOMETRIC

This is the most basic ikat print on the cotton cloth and the most original pattern of design that was done in the traditional way. The print is a lively pink,red,purple,white of the set and has variants of yellow,cream,brown and beige. It has a length of 2.5 metres and the fabric base is a blend of cotton which is so soft. It is slightly higher in range than the other products in this same pattern but the quality ensured by the brand is top notch. It is perfect for office parties or college going girls wearing a kurta or styling it as a dupatta accessory.

Read more : 5 Artisanal Fabrics To Invest 

Conclusion:

Trends are like seasons. They come and go, only to come again. So, it is very important to remain classic. These handcrafted and traditional Indian artisanary has forever remained in our mother's cupboards and are now passing to the next generations wardrobes.The most classic ones are mentioned in this article with a detailed description about the significance of the characteristic of each pattern. What is even more striking is that all of these fabrics are the ones which are pure cotton and perfect for summers. The combination of ajrakh and ikat is so evergreen and is a perfect blend of multicolors giving it a wide range of wearable outfits.