One of the oldest and finest crafts of Gujarat, patch work and appliqué use patches of fabrics stitched together to create floral and animal designs. In applique work, one fabric is applied over another and their edges are sewn together. This composition of stiching fabric over fabric adds to the visual depth of the product. These designs are used to decorate quilts, wall hangings, modern household products and apparels. Apart from Ahmedabad, this art is practiced in Saurashtra, Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch in the state. It is believed that the technique of applique work has been derived from the French culture and when translated means 'something applied'. It was discovered when torn clothes needed fixing and a primitive sort of applique work was done on them to make them wearable. In patch work, different patterns are made by piecing together cloths of different colours. This is especially done on quilts that make for great buys.

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