We are all familiar with the beauty of sarees, and when we say handloom sarees, we are defining the Indian texture in the best way. The exquisite sarees created from pure silk contain elaborate patterns and designs and are made by artisans who follow the time-honored process of weaving beautiful fabrics from the thread called yarn.
Let’s take a look at this definition as an amazing journey in detail.
Sourcing and Preparing the Yarn
Preparations for making a handloom saree involve carefully choosing appropriate yarn- good yarn is selected for it to be made. This yarn can be selected from cotton yarn, silk yarn, or any other yarn based on the choice of the type of saree that is being manufactured, for example the chiffon saree fabric. The first process is called spiking and spinning, where yarn is produced from the raw fibers. In the case of silk sarees, weaving is done with lots of precaution as the silk filaments are pulled out from the cocoons. To make clothes acquire the correct color, a dyeing method follows after having the yarns in the specified readiness.
Warping the Loom
Warping is a very important stage of preparations where the yarn threads are put parallel to each other on a frame known as the warp beam. This arrangement defines the overall size of a saree, specifically the length and the width. The warp threads are then taken to the loom and adjusted, which stands for the woven section or the working part of the loom.
Weaving the Saree
After the spinning process on the spinning wheel, another process known as weaving is used, where the yarn is converted into fabric by hand on a handloom. For simple sarees, there is the shuttle, where the weaver interlaces the weft threads through the warp threads by forming fabric row by row. These techniques of three-end weaves enable the weaver to form patterns, motives, and borders for the saree, thus enhancing its ornamental value. The intricate weave and the labor invested in making a Banarasi saree cost more than regular ones.
Adding Decorative Elements
The use of designs in handloom sarees is more decorative than those and can further improve the appearance. Zari work is one such kind of enhancement within the body where medicinal gold or silver strings are sown on the dress clothing to give it the touch of assured elegance and luxury. Others include hand-embroidered designs expressed through the use of different colored threads, beads, and sequins.
Finishing Touches
The process of finishing a saree for cotton is crucial to making it ready for use. First, it is washed to remove impurities that appear on the clothes. Then, it is starched to give it the texture of crisp clothes that we are familiar with. Finally, before the saree hits the market, it is checked to see if it has any defects since it’s a valuable product. Jute, zari, and other work-related problems are also checked and corrected to ensure that the saree is free from defects for the customer.
Conclusion
The process of developing a handloom saree can be delicate, which indicates the amount of hard work the craftsmen put into it. Every process, starting from the spinning of yarn to the process of dressing, involves some distinct process to be followed with much care. Thus, handloom sarees are not only articles of clothing, but they are culturally rich pieces that are an embodiment of historic textile craftsmanship. This represents the talented work and the heritage that follows each saree, which makes them stand out and distinct from the others.
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