Selvedge Textile Tour 2025: The Official Tour Begins

The textile tour has now officially started, with Polly, Selvedge founder and editor, joined by the first group of participants. This week has been an enriching introduction to India’s cultural and historical landscape, with textiles at the forefront. The group have visited markets, museums, and historic sites, each offering a unique perspective on India’s textile traditions. Each stop has brought opportunities to engage with the art of textile-making, from block printing to handwoven carpets.

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Kinari Bazar
In Old Delhi, the neighbourhood of Kinari Bazar is known for its abundance of trims, embellishments, and embroidery supplies. The tour wound its way down narrow, lively streets that run parallel to the historic Chandni Chowk. The neighbourhood is part of Delhi’s larger textile district, which also includes the Cloth Market and Katra Neel. A wholly sensory experience, the market offers a sparkling, vibrant display of gold-threaded borders, beads, sequins, and more. Perfect for textile magpies.

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Kathika Museum and Cultural Centre

Tucked away in the heart of Old Delhi, the Kathika Museum and Cultural Centre is a beautifully restored 19th-century haveli that feels like a portal to another time. Walking through its quiet courtyards and atmospheric interiors feels like stepping into the past, a welcome contrast to the bustling streets just beyond its doors.

This intimate space weaves together history, architecture, and storytelling, through rooms filled with archival photographs, decorative arts, and artefacts that bring the city’s layered history to life. The building itself, with its Mughal-era detailing and careful restoration, is as much a part of the experience as the objects it houses.

Just across the way, Neem ki Haveli—blending Mughal and British architectural influences—adds another dimension to the experience, offering a glimpse into how Delhi has evolved over centuries.

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The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Located near Purana Qila, the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy is a tribute to India’s diverse textile traditions. The Selvedge textile tour group were honoured to have been guided through the space by Dr. Vandana Bhandari, an academician, author and researcher working in the areas of textile, craft and fashion.

Designed by architect Charles Correa, the museum displays an extensive collection of textiles, from Pashmina shawls to Kantha embroidery. The exhibits highlight India’s rich regional craftsmanship, with pieces from various parts of the country, including rare tribal textiles from communities like the Toda and Naga. The museum also plays an important role in supporting artisans and preserving traditional crafts, ensuring their sustainability.

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Jaipur Rugs

Founded in 1978 by NK Chaudhary, Jaipur Rugs began as a small operation with just two looms and nine artisans. What started as a modest venture soon grew into a quiet revolution in the carpet industry. 

Chaudhary, often called the "Gandhi of the Carpet Industry," reimagined traditional business models, removing middlemen to ensure fair treatment and direct empowerment of artisans, many from marginalised communities. 

His motto was: "Let goodness, fairness, and, most importantly, love prevail in business; profits will inevitably follow"—a guiding principle that prioritised dignity, respect, and an environment where craftsmanship could thrive. Today, Jaipur Rugs is one of India’s largest producers of hand-knotted carpets, blending centuries-old techniques with contemporary design.

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Sculpture Park at Jaigarh Fort

Set within the historic Jaigarh Fort, the Sculpture Park creates a striking contrast between contemporary art and Rajasthan’s rich architectural heritage. Positioned atop the Aravalli hills, Jaigarh was designed to protect the Palace and settlement of Amber below, safeguarding them against external threats. It was inaugurated in 2017 as a space for modern Indian and international sculptures.

Walking around the site provided a dynamic experience for the textile tour group, with sculptural forms displayed against the backdrop of the fort’s weathered stone walls and sweeping views of the Amber Palace.

The cultural initiative, led by Saat Saath Arts in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan, fosters artistic exchange, positioning the park as an important space for cultural dialogue and contemporary expression.

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Block Printing Workshops

In Bagru, the tour group had the opportunity to learn the art of hand block printing under the guidance of Dheeraj Chhipa, a master artisan. This traditional technique involves pressing hand-carved wooden blocks onto fabric, a process that demands precision and patience.

Each block is meticulously carved by hand, using simple tools to create intricate designs. Once the fabric is prepared and dyed, artisans carefully align and apply the blocks, sometimes using up to 30 different designs to build a single pattern.

With origins tracing back to the Mughal era, block printing remains a vital part of India’s textile heritage. The workshop provided an immersive experience, allowing participants to engage with this centuries-old craft and gain a deeper appreciation for its complexity and artistry.

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Further Explorations of Block Printing in Sanganer

Just outside Jaipur, Sanganer is a town where modern life and traditional craftsmanship coexist. Amid the bustle of motorcycles and smartphone-clad commuters, artisans continue to practice the intricate craft of block printing, a tradition that has flourished here for centuries.

The group observed skilled craftsmen carving wooden printing blocks by hand, a meticulous process that forms the foundation of this textile art. These blocks, used to create Sanganer’s distinctive floral motifs, require careful precision, with each design passed down through generations.

Beyond textiles, the town is also known for its handmade paper industry, with Salim’s Paper producing eco-friendly paper from recycled fabric scraps. The contrast between Sanganer’s fast-paced streets and the quiet dedication of its artisans offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of India’s textile heritage.

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This week’s journey for the guests on the Selvedge textile tour has offered a fascinating glimpse into India’s rich textile traditions, from the intricate craftsmanship of hand-knotted rugs to the enduring artistry of block printing. Through bustling markets and quiet workshops, they have explored the deep cultural significance of these techniques and the artisans who sustain them. As the tour continues, we look forward to uncovering more stories of heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Join us next week for further insights into India’s remarkable textile landscape.

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Image Credits:

Lead image: Jaipur Rugs

Image 2: Kathika Museum and Cultural Centre

All other images: Polly Leonard