Are you a fashion enthusiast who loves to shop but cares about planet Earth as well? If so, you're in for a delightful treat! If you're a conscious consumer who loves to embrace culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability, then get ready to be spellbound by the mesmerizing AJRAKH PRINT FABRIC.
Ajrakh- what exactly is this fabric?
The word "Ajrakh" has various meanings. Some believe that it has been derived from the Arabic word AJRAKH which means blue. Hence, blue is the chief colour used in the printing. Some believe that it refers to the Hindi words ‘aj – rakh’ meaning ‘keep today’.
This is about the elaborate and slow process of dyeing, where the cloth is dyed in stages over 16 days with the fabric being "kept away" at the end of each day to allow the colours to set.
What is special about Ajrakh?
The Ajrakh process has another interesting dimension besides being a craft that is being practised for about 3000 years.
The fabric's combination of dyes and pigments, which has been honed over generations, gives it a special all-weather capability. The dyes open up the fabric's pores, enabling more air to travel through and keeping the user cool during the heat. Because the colours force the pores to shut, the user is kept warm during the winter.
Now, the major question is, what makes Ajrakh print fabric eco-friendly?
Is Ajrakh print fabric eco-friendly?
Ajrakh is a traditional technique for elaborately hand-printing fabrics using hand-carved wooden blocks and vibrant, all-natural dyes. Moreover, the colours used in the Ajrakh fabric print are made from natural, environmentally safe, and non-toxic sources.
For example, the colour blue is derived from the Indigo plant and the roots of the madder plant provide red. For yellow hue, turmeric, and pomegranate are used, and black is derived from iron shavings, tamarind, and jaggery. Furthermore, hand-carved wooden blocks are used in the manual printing process.
How to take care of Ajrakh Print Fabrics?
Gentle Handling:
It's important to be gentle while washing, squeezing, or wringing Ajrakh print fabric. Vigorous rubbing or twisting can lead to colour fading or bleeding.
Tips to remember:
- When washing the fabric with hands, wash it with cold water with mild soap, hanging to dry and press it with a dry iron.
- In case you want to opt for a machine wash, ensure that you are washing it on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild soap. Avoid putting your clothes made from Ajrakh printed fabrics in a dryer.
Use Soft Water:
For washing your Ajrakh Print fabric, opt for soft water instead of hard water to protect the colours and texture of the Ajrakh print. So, whenever possible, use soft water for washing.
Store with Care:
When storing Ajrakh print fabrics, make sure they are clean and completely dry. Fold them carefully and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Ironing Precautions:
Iron the fabric inside out on a low heat setting. This protects the delicate prints and prevents direct contact with the iron.
In search of a website offering Ajrakh fabrics? Check out FFAB
Be it silks, cotton, wool, flax or bamboo fabrics, FFAB houses a hefty range of natural fabrics. With time, we have expanded our range from fabrics to products like-Stoles/Scarves, Sarees, and unstitched lengths to name a few.
Our association with hundreds of artisans and weavers across
the nation helps us in bringing together an exclusive range of materials featuring- natural dyes, hand block prints, hand embroideries, and many more. Furthermore, we provide an extensive range of value-added materials in digital printing and embroidery.
As a fully integrated textile company, the quality, and correctness of the art form have always taken precedence over quantity.
Wrapping Up
Say goodbye to buyer's remorse and hello to a meaningful shopping experience that not only adorns you in beauty but also uplifts communities and supports the planet.