Fabric Flower Craft
Other Crafts
History
The fabric flower craft of Meghalaya, rooted in Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia traditions, is used for decoration and rituals. Initially made from handwoven cotton, artisans later adopted silk and velvet for intricate designs. In Gujarat, the craft evolved alongside Kutch and Saurashtra embroidery, reflecting the region’s rich textile heritage. Both states preserve this art as a cultural tradition.
Raw Materials and Tools
Materials include cotton, silk, velvet, crepe, embroidery threads, beads, and green fabric for leaves and stems. Tools used are scissors for cutting, needles and thread for stitching, templates for shaping petals, adhesives for securing parts, and wire with pliers for structural support in larger flowers.
Process
The artisan selects fabric—cotton for everyday use, silk or velvet for ceremonial pieces. Petals are cut using templates, then folded or pleated for a natural look. These petals are stitched together onto a fabric or thread base, sometimes embellished with embroidery or beads. Leaves and stems are added using green fabric or wire for stability. The finished flowers are used in garlands, wall hangings, headpieces, earrings, or bracelets.
Design and Color
In Meghalaya, fabric flowers are used in weddings and rituals, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, and femininity. The Khasi tribe offers them to deities during ceremonies. In Gujarat, they adorn traditional garments like Bandhani sarees, dupattas, and lehengas. They are also used in home décor, including wall hangings, rugs, and curtains.
Product Range
Fabric flowers.