CRAFTS OF INDIA / LEHERIA / INTRODUCTION

CRAFTS OF INDIA / LEHERIA / INTRODUCTION

Leheria (or leheriya) is a traditional style of tie & dye practiced in Rajasthan, India, that results in brightly colored cloth with distinctive patterns. The technique gets its name from the Rajasthani word for wave because the dyeing technique is often used to produce complex wave patterns. Leheria work is done on silk or cotton fabric and on long and broad canvases like turbans and sarees. Leheria sarees are known for their unique wave designs, evolving from a brilliant exercise of the tie and dye art. The unique wave pattern has also created waves in the fashion world for its simplicity and appealing look on plain coloured fabrics.

Leheria dyeing is done on thin cotton or silk cloth, usually in lengths appropriate for turbans or saris. The fabric is rolled diagonally from one corner to the opposite selvedge, and then tied at the required intervals and dyed. The appeal of the Leheria lies in the way the folding and tying of resists is manipulated before dyeing to create colourful striking outcomes of extraordinary designs. Leheria turbans are very popular in Rajasthan.