The unique features of ikkat sarees and what goes into their production?

by Aarushi Reddy studant

Saree like other clothing items are available online to be purchased. However, a significant difference between sarees and other clothing is that of variety. No other single clothing item is manufactured in so many styles or comparable in popularity as saree. Indian women wear saree on a formal occasion to a family function and in their day to day lives.

There is no single way to manufacture saree, and they are made differently in various regions of the country. A widely recognised style is the ikkat pattu sarees which are manufactured in Orissa. The word ikkat is derived from the Malay word mengikat which means to tie or to bind. The ikkat produced in Orissa originated in the 12th century by the artists who migrated from Gujarat.

Ikkat sarees of Orissa use a process called resist dying. The core fabric material used in the Orissa ikkat sarees is cotton or silk. The following are the varieties in which ikkat silk sarees are manufactured-

•The first method is Single ikkat. It is a process in which either the warp yarns or the weft is dyed.

•The second category combines both warp yarns and the weft being used together in different parts of the fabric.

•The third variety is that of double ikkat which involves both warp and weft threads. They are tied in a substantially precise manner so that when the threads from both axis mesh with each other at specific points, they show up a completed pattern.

Gadwal sarees which are manufactured in the Gadwal region of Telangana are also well admired by women in India. They have a cotton body with a rich silk pallu having contrasting colours. The silk of these sarees is sourced from Bangalore and gold for the zari is sourced from Surat. Gadwal sarees are light and ideal for the warm summer weather.

Do you want to purchase a brand new pattu saree for an upcoming event?

Visit Jyothisareemandir.com to buy sarees for women of all ages.