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Handloom Saree: The Threads Of Art
A handloom saree is a traditional Indian garment made on a hand-operated loom by skilled artisans. Unlike machine-made sarees, handloom sarees bear the touch of human hands, showcasing imperfections that enhance their beauty. These sarees come in various fabrics like cotton and silk, known for their durability and vibrant colours.
At Nalli, the artisans craft and preserve cultural heritage. They continue the time-honoured tradition of weaving handloom sarees, passed down through generations. A shuttle-pit loom is made of ropes, wooden beams, and poles. People commonly use it to weave a handloom or handmade saree. The weaver throws the shuttle from 'Tarsbhullar' side to side. Other weavers work with a fly-shuttle loom, which may create a variety of patterns.
Diversity of Handloom Machinery
There are various types of handloom machinery used in the creation of handloom sarees. Below are some of the prominently used machinery:
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Pit Loom
A traditional loom is dug into the ground, giving stability to weavers and better control over tension, especially for making big items like rugs.
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Frame Loom
A movable and adaptable weaving device with a rectangular frame and adjustable tension, suitable for different fabrics and designs, favoured by beginners and hobbyists.
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Stand Loom
A larger and more intricate upright loom with pedals, levers, and a shuttle system, providing faster weaving for professional weavers.
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Inkle Looms
Small looms used for weaving narrow bands and straps, popular for making detailed woven bands for various purposes.
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Rigid-Heddle Looms
Versatile and user-friendly looms suitable for beginners and advanced weavers, known for their easy setup and quick weaving.
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Table Looms
Compact and portable looms designed to sit on a table, offering the capabilities of larger looms in a smaller size.
A Journey Through the History of Handloom Sarees
Handloom sarees have a rich history dating back thousands of years in India. Handloom weaving is an art rooted in tradition. It has been passed down through generations. Historically, each region in India developed its own unique style of handloom saree. They showcased distinct weaving techniques, patterns, and motifs promoting culture.
The earliest evidence of handloom sarees dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. This was around 2500 BCE. Over time, handloom sarees became a symbol of cultural identity. People wear them at events like weddings, festivals, and other religious ceremonies.
During the Mughal era, handloom sarees gained prominence. The royal courts supported them. The intricate craftsmanship and exquisite designs of handloom sarees became highly sought after among nobility and aristocracy.
During colonial times, the company increased the need for Indian handloom sarees worldwide. However, the rise of mechanised looms endangered the handloom industry, risking the jobs of those who depended on traditional weaving for their livelihoods.
Despite modernization and industrialization, handloom sarees continue to hold a special place in Indian culture. Today, people are working to preserve and promote the art of handwoven sarees. They recognize its importance in saving heritage, helping artisans, and supporting rural livelihoods.
Handloom Cotton Sarees
Handloom cotton sarees come from ancient India. They have been a key part of Indian culture for centuries. Handloom weaving of cotton fabric thrived in regions. These regions include West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Each region had its own style and technique.
Handloom cotton sarees are known for their light, breathable fabric. This makes them ideal for hot, humid climates and daily wear. They often feature intricate handwoven designs and motifs inspired by nature, geometric patterns, or traditional symbols. Some popular motifs include floral patterns. They feature lotus, jasmine, or mango.
Artisans weave each handloom cotton saree on hand-operated looms. They use traditional techniques passed down through generations. The process has three steps. First, spin the cotton fibres into yarn. Next, dye the yarn with natural or synthetic colours. Finally, weave the yarn into intricate patterns.
Handloom cotton sarees are versatile and suitable for both casual and formal occasions. They show the rich heritage of Indian handloom weaving. They showcase the skill of artisans and the craftsmanship while also promoting sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
Handloom Silk Sarees
Handloom silk sarees are revered for their luxurious texture, intricate designs, and timeless elegance. They originate from regions like Varanasi, Kanchipuram, and Mysore. These sarees have a history dating back centuries.
Silk is known as the queen of fabrics. It is meticulously handwoven into sarees using traditional techniques. The process involves spinning silk threads from silkworm cocoons. Then, dyeing them in vibrant colours. Finally, weaving them into complex patterns on hand-operated looms.
Each handloom silk sarees is a masterpiece. It features elaborate motifs inspired by mythology, nature, or history. Common motifs include peacocks, elephants, floral designs, and traditional paisley patterns.
Artisans devote weeks, and sometimes months, to create handloom silk sarees. They show their skill and dedication to their craft. Handloom silk sarees are treasured heirlooms passed down through generations, symbolising opulence, grace, and tradition.
Khadi Handloom Sarees
Khadi handloom sarees hold a special place in India's freedom struggle and are deeply rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's vision of self-reliance and rural empowerment. Khadi is handspun and handwoven fabric. It became popular during the Indian independence movement. It was a symbol of resistance to British colonial rule.
These Khadi handloom sarees are made from cotton or silk. Artisans spin the yarn using charkhas. They weave it on hand-operated looms. Khadi handloom sarees are known for their simplicity, durability, and versatility.
The motifs on khadi handloom sarees are often minimalistic. They reflect the fabric's rustic charm and Gandhian value of simplicity. Khadi cotton sarees commonly have the texture of khadi fabric. They also feature geometric patterns or symbols representing India's heritage.
Khadi handloom sarees online play a significant role in promoting sustainable fashion and empowering rural artisans. They embody the spirit of self-reliance and community empowerment, making these khadi sarees online as symbols of social and economic progress.
Timeless Tapestry: Types of Handloom Sarees Online
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Kanchipuram silk sarees
Kanjeevaram Sarees come from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. They are known for their rich silk, bright colours, and detailed zari work. They often feature traditional motifs. These include temple borders, peacocks, and checks. This makes them highly prized for weddings and special occasions.
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Banarasi Sarees
Hailing from Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras), Banarasi sarees are crafted from fine silk and embellished with intricate brocade work. These sarees typically feature elaborate designs inspired by Mughal art, such as floral patterns, paisleys, and motifs like kalga and bel.
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Chanderi Sarees
Chanderi sarees come from the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. They are known for their light texture and sheer elegance. Chanderi handloom cotton sarees are made from a blend of silk and cotton. They are adorned with traditional motifs like coins, floral patterns, and geometric designs. These designs are often woven with gold or silver zari.
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Tant Sarees
Tant sarees are also known as Bengal cotton sarees. They come from West Bengal and Bangladesh. They are woven from fine cotton threads. They are known for being soft and breathable. Tant handloom cotton sarees feature simple designs and motifs, often showcasing traditional patterns like stripes, checks, and floral motifs.
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Jamdani Sarees
Jamdani sarees come from Bangladesh and parts of West Bengal. They are famous for their intricate hand woven patterns and see-through texture. These handloom cotton sarees have delicate motifs. They are woven with cotton or silk threads, creating a pattern that seems to float on the fabric.
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Paithani Sarees
Paithani sarees come from the town of Paithan in Maharashtra. They are known for their rich silk and intricate metallic zari borders. These sarees often feature traditional motifs like peacocks, lotuses, and geometric patterns, woven using a special weaving technique known as spilt tapestry weaving where two weft threads are woven up to adjacent warp threads and then reversed.
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Baluchari Sarees:
Baluchari sarees come from Murshidabad in West Bengal. They are made from fine silk and decorated with intricate brocade. These handloom silk sarees feature elaborate designs depicting scenes from Indian mythology and folklore, making them highly prized for their artistic craftsmanship.
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Maheshwari Sarees
Maheshwari sarees come from the town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. They are known for their unique blend of cotton and silk. The sarees have bold stripes, checks, and floral motifs. They are often adorned with zari borders and intricate embroidery. This makes them a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Elevate Your Handloom Sarees Online with Creative Styling Tips
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Mix and Match
Choose contrasting colour blouses and add a modern twist to your handloom silk sarees. Opt for vibrant colours or bold patterns that complement the saree's hues.
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Belt it Up
Add a stylish belt around your waist to cinch the saree and create a contemporary silhouette. Choose a sleek metallic belt for a touch of glamour or a fabric belt for a more subtle look.
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Layer with Jackets
Layer your handloom saree with a trendy jacket or cape to elevate your ensemble. A denim jacket adds a casual vibe, while a silk or brocade jacket enhances the elegance of the saree.
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Accessorise Creatively
Play with statement jewellery pieces like chunky earrings, layered necklaces, or ornate waist belts to accentuate your handloom silk sarees. Mix and match textures and styles for a unique and personalised look.
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Experiment with Draping Styles
Explore different draping styles like the classic Nivi drape, modern butterfly drape, or experimental dhoti drape to give your handloom silk sarees a contemporary edge.
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Go Retro with Hair
Pair your khadi handloom sarees with vintage-inspired hairstyles like victory rolls, retro waves, or a sleek bun adorned with fresh flowers or vintage hair accessories.
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Add a Pop of Colour
Add colourful elements like a vibrant handbag, colourful shoes, or a bold lip colour to inject personality and playfulness into your handloom saree ensemble.
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Play with Prints
Mix and match your handloom silk sarees with a printed blouse or layering it with a printed jacket or scarf. Experiment with different patterns for a dynamic and eye-catching look.
Explore the Artistry of Handloom Sarees Online at Nalli
Handloom sarees are beautiful because of their little imperfections. Those tiny holes aren't mistakes but marks from where the saree was pinned to the loom. That small stain might be from oil used to keep the loom running smoothly. Even a stray black knot on a white saree could be a bit of lint caught in the weaving on a windy day.
Each imperfection tells its own story. The careful hand block printing and attention to detail are woven into every thread of handloom sarees.
For generations, Nalli has meant excellence in handloom sarees. It weaves a legacy of craft and tradition. It has adorned the trousseau of many families and has become a part of their heritage.In today's world of fast fashion, Nalli stands out as a beacon of timeless elegance, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with modern aesthetics. Its diverse range of handloom sarees caters to a wide audience, bridging the gap between generations and cultures. As a trusted name in the industry, Nalli continues to uphold its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of handloom weaving while embracing innovation and evolution.
Explore Our Weave Collection
Banarasi Sarees | Paithani Saree | Kanjivaram Saree | Patola Sarees | Organza Sarees | Maheshwari Silk Saree | Paithani Ikat Saree | Chanderi Saree | Baluchari Saree | Gadwal Saree | Pochampally Saree |
Fabric Collection
Silk Sarees | Cotton Saree | Linen Sarees | Katan Silk | Chiffon Saree | Satin Silk Saree | Georgette Saree | Satin Crepe Saree | Chikankari Saree | Tussar Silk Saree | Raw Silk Saree | Printed Cotton Saree | Soft Silk Saree | Mysore Silk Saree |
Shop By Colour
Black Saree | Golden Saree | Magenta Saree | Blue Saree | Yellow Saree | Red Saree | Pink Saree | Maroon Saree | Peach Saree | Green Saree | White Saree | Purple Saree | Grey Saree | Orange Saree | Peach Colour Saree
Handloom Sarees Price List
Handloom Sarees | PriceList |
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Nyra - Teal Chanderi Silk Cotton Saree | ₹7,200 |
Sea Green Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹44,210 |
Kanchana Chanderi Silk Cotton Saree With Zari Border | ₹5,900 |
Red Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹56,615 |
Shyama - Sage Green Chanderi Silk Cotton Saree | ₹9,800 |
Red Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹53,432 |
Red Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹69,612 |
Green Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹59,619 |
Grey Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹33,931 |
Pink Kanchipuram Silk Saree | ₹58,567 |