Types of silk sarees- Silk, the queen of textiles dominates the textile industry with its lustre, sensuousness and glamour. The history of silk goes back to 4,500 years. India is the second-largest producer of silk, contributing to about 18 per cent of the planet’s production. It’ll be interesting to say who is the first one.
Today, silk weaving tradition in India revolves around the sari, the ethnic traditional wear that’s worn in most parts of the country. The Indians dress in elaborate and vibrant silk sarees on festive occasions. The colourful colours, lightweight, resilience and excellent drape etc. have made silk sarees, the irresistible and unavoidable companion of Indian women. Indian silk is popular everywhere on the planet with its sort of designs, weaves and patterns.
Mulberry silk – Types of silk sarees
Comes from the silkworm “Bombyx mori” which feeds on the mulberry plant. In India, the main mulberry silk producing states are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir.
Eri Silk – Types of silk sarees
Also referred to as the Endi or Errandi, silk is thick, warm, soft, rare and really long-lasting. India may be a major producer of Eri Silk. it’s grown in Assam and eastern parts of India. It’s also found in Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa. Eri silk is produced by Philosamia ricini that feeds mainly on castor leaves.
Muga Silk – Types of silk sarees
The pride of Assam is understood for its natural shimmering golden yellow colour. it’s obtained from a semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm, Antheraea assamensis. These silkworms prey on the aromatic leaves of Som and Soalu plants. The Muga silk, a high-value product is employed in products like sarees, mekhalas, chaddars etc.
Oak Tasar silk
Less lustrous than mulberry silk, Tassar silk is employed mainly for furnishings and interiors. Tasar silk is generated by the silkworm, tussah which mainly thrive on the food plants Asan and Arjun. it’s cultivated within the states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Orissa, besides Maharashtra, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh . A good range of silk fabrics is produced at different production centres both Handloom and Powerlooms. A quick account of the range of materials is furnished below, as is understood by its popular names. Types of silk sarees
(a) Plain Silk Fabrics
Fabrics starting from 20 gm to 70 gm are produced during this category using both handlooms also as power loom. The fabrics are available as per the wants in several shades also as in checks and stripes. Beautiful pinstripes are a speciality for shirting. Plain silk is usually employed by exporters for creating ladies blouses, fashion garments, made-ups and scarves. Deluxe and super deluxe qualities also are produced as per specific orders.
(b) Dupion Fabrics
A speciality of Bangalore Handlooms, Dupion is the craze of the west. Produced out of twisted filature warp and dupion weft is out there in several quality ranges and shades. Dupion checks and stripes are elegant in look. Mainly used for dress material and cushion covers and furnishings, Dupion may be a popular name among the overseas silk importers.
(c) Charka Silk
Using filature in warp and Charka in weft a thicker fabric is formed on handlooms. For many of the zari decorative sarees, charka yarn is popularly employed by sari manufacturers.
(d) Chiffon
Using highly twisted yarn, a skinny but strong fabric is produced on power looms, which after processing and finishing attains a soft and smooth texture. Chiffons are used for various end-uses for girls garments and scarves/stoles.
(e) Chinnon
This is also produced from highly twisted yarn of filature in the loom. After the ultimate processing and finishing the material gets soft but crimp effect. Chinnon is right for girls’ dresses and scarves/stoles.
(f) Crepe
Produced from 2-ply twisted yarn of’ and ‘z’ twist and woven on a loom, crepe is employed for various uses. Mysore crepe sarees are very fashionable on the domestic and export front.
(g) Organza
A very thin fabric produced from highly twisted yarn. After a starchy finish, the material gets a rough texture. Organza is employed as sari material also as for embroidered garments.
(h) Satin
Silk satins are a well-liked sort of fabric used for varied end-use. When made into dresses, satin gives a chic Look. Banarasi Satin Saris are popular for export and domestic markets.
(i) Tabby Silk
A type of plain silk fabric produced in Kashmir. Tabby silk is usually used for printed saris and scarves.
(j) Murshidabad Silk
A popular silk fabric produced within the Murshidabad district of West Bengal . Used mainly for saris and scarves, the material is out there in several qualities referred to as 16s, 18s, 20s, and so on.
(k) Matka Fabric
Using Matka yarn for both warp and weft, a thicker fabric is produced mostly for furnishing. The material mostly produced in Bhagalpur may be a very fashionable export item at the present . By using multiple yarns the feel and thickness of the fabrics are often modified consistent with the top use.
(l) Ahimsa Silk
Usuma Rajaiah, of Hyderabad, has come up with an initiative to supply silk without the killing of silkworms.
The silk sarees of India are among the living samples of the superb craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. Their mastery lies within the creation of floral designs, beautiful textures, fine geometry, the durability of such work and not the smallest amount, the colourful colours they choose for creating sarees. Many nations within the country have their own sort of silk also as weaving centres with their traditional designs, weaving and quality. The silk varieties are renowned for the place where it’s been woven.
Banaras is one of the leading silk weaving centres in India. Amru silk, Jamvar, Navarangi, Jamdani etc. are the kinds of Banaras Saris, during which Amru Silk brocades with an important pallu of flowering bushes or the flowering mango pattern are very famous.
Maharashtra is legendary for its Paithani silk saris, generally with gold dots design and Kosa silk of Bhandara district.
Patola silk referred to as the pride of Gujarat is noted for his or her bright colours and geometric designs with folk motifs.
Banarasi Saree A popular Saree Type
Madhya Pradesh is legendary for Chanderi, Maheshwari and Tussar silk saris. Specialities of those saris are the contrasting colours and depiction of animal and human figures on the sarees.
Silk Bomkai Sambalpuri saris from Orissa are available in single and double ikat weaves. Murshidabad in West Bengal is the home of the famous Baluchari sari during which untwisted silk threads are used for weaving brocades. Within the south, heavy silk saris from Tanjore, Kumbakonam and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu are known for their broad decorative borders and contrasting colours. Kancheepuram silks have an enviable position among the simplest silk sarees within the country for his or her texture, lustre, durability and finish. Kolegal and Molkalmoru in Karnataka are known for his or her simple ikat weave with parrot motif on the borders.
Sarees are a passion for each south Indian female. With reference to the silk sarees in Tamilnadu, it got its name from the situation where the sarees were waived. Like kancheepuram, aarani, thirubuvanam etc but nowadays people search for more and more varieties. Hence thevendors started introducing new patterns in silk sarees, giving new names like vasthirakala, parampara, samuthriga, vivaha; bridal seven etc. Most of them are traditional silk sarees with additional stonework or added colourful embroideries within the silk sarees.
A wide range of women and men’s wear like dupattas, sarees, salwars, Sherwanis, caps, handkerchiefs, scarves, dhotis, turbans, shawls, ghagras or lehengas, and even quilts, bedcovers, cushions, table-cloths curtains are made from silk. In short, Silk has been mingled with the life and culture of Indians.
