Abstract 336 a Pastel Kaleidoscope Bandana by Gingezel
Find other Kaleidoscope Bandana at zazzle.com
Pastel Kaleidoscope Bandana Artwork designed by Gingezel
Bandana's have been a fashion accessory for over 200 years. The small pieces of square cloth were originally created in India during the 18th century, they were called bandhnu in Hindustani meaning tie dying cloth. The first bandana's were made of silk fabric, in colors with white patterns where the dye did not adhere to the cloth.
Bandhani (Indian tie dye) saree fabric
These beautiful pieces of fabric were exported by the East India Company and became very popular in England. Initially designed to be head or neck scarf , they were redesigned in European countries and made of cotton fabrics. The bandana evolved into multiple uses and names as it also became know as a handkerchief and was also used to dab perspiration and clean the nose.
Banada Early 20th Century Turkey Red dye process cotton fabric
The bandana became a popular item for farmers in Europe and the American colonies as women often used them to secure their hair and protect it from the elements. A new dying technique was discovered in 1789 by the French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet. By using chlorine, white patterns could be easily created on the Turkey red cloth. Daniel Koechiln-Schouch then discovered that by adding tartaric acid the cloth it would lose the red color and be blue with the same patterned effect.
Cowboys in the American West found new uses for bandana's usually worn around their neck, it could be used over the face in a dust storm or to bind a wound. As Hollywood created Western Movies the bandana gained in popularity, they were made of cotton in a variety of colors.
John Wayne The Cowboys 1971
The bandana found another use during WWII as women began wearing them to keep their hair from getting caught in the machinery in factories where they worked building aircraft and other items. This classic style became popular with the Rosie the Riveter posters.
Bandana's are no longer just a fashion accessory, they can easily be sewn together to make a variety of items including; pillows, tops, pants, skirts, tablecloths and party decorations. Here is a free pattern for a cute bandana purse to make. Follow this link for the pattern and directions.
Pastel Bananda's sewn together make a great table runner for Spring, the free instructions are available in this article from Country Living. It also has directions for eight other craft projects to make using bandana's they include; napkin rings, hanger covers, knotted belt, place setting bundle, pouch bag, rosette pin, candle cover and picture frames.
Follow this link for these fun free bandana crafts
Two-hundred years later the bandana continues to be a very popular piece of cloth. Today they come in a variety of designs and colors and are worn by humans and animals. If one cannot find the right color or design of a bandana you can easily create your own. Zazzle provides an easy template to create your own bandana follow the link here.
