Known to have been introduced in India in the 11th century, appliqué work has become a popular craft used in almost every ritual celebration or festival in the country. In Bihar, there are styles of appliqué: one, intended for domestic use, which carries stylized motifs with one piece of cloth with cut patterns being stitched to another, the pattern thus emerging in two colours; the second type of appliqué is prepared for tents, shamianas and canopies as also tented walls.

Appliqué work of remarkable creative value has been created in Orrisa where this craft is used for festive decoration in the temple of Lord Jagannath as well as in homes. Specimens of great artistic merit are also done in the same style in several centres in Gujarat and Tamilnadu to be used as wall hangings furnishings fabrics, garden umbrellas and dress material. In Kashmir the ‘gabba’ (floor covering) is a form of appliqué work which has been evolved by reusing worn out woolen blankets and woolen stripes.