Weaves of India - Handwoven Textiles and Fabrics

Indian handwoven textiles

The world of textile knowledge is unlimited. None can mark the end of learning in any field. The same applied to learning textiles and weaves of India. I promise you will find many new fabrics that you never heard of before. Most of these fabrics are named by their place of origin. Those names become trade names for such textiles.

I am sharing a good resource for learning about handwoven fabrics.

I discovered it and sharing it with you. This resource has covered an extensive list of fabrics including sarees, prints, silks, gamcha (towels), etc. The name of the fabric library is Save the Weave. If you already know about it, you found gems of leaning Indian weaves.

About Save the Weave
Save the Weave is a movement initiated by Isha Foundation to bring awareness globally and in India about the need to shift to natural fibres.

According to Isha Foundation's research, India is home to more than 136 unique weaves, mostly in the form of sarees. Traditionally woven in cotton and silk, sarees are the backbone of the Indian Handloom sector which is rapidly being replaced by machines and synthetic fibres.

The methods for growing organic cotton, the intricate processes of preparing for weaving, the diverse weaving styles, the utilization of natural dyes for coloring fabric, and the various printing techniques are all deeply influenced by culture and regional traditions. It's imperative to safeguard this artistry to prevent the loss of traditional wisdom. Historically, these sustainable practices have fostered ecosystems that empower local communities, particularly women.


To name a few weaves - Angami, Korial Benarasi, Kesh, Bengal Muslin, Kantha, Jamdani, Garad Silk, Gamcha, Banglar Tant, Baha Cotton, Baluchari Silkm Kotad khadi, Pasapali silk cotton, Sambalpuri cotton, Hasbapuri, Bomkai silk, Behrampur cotton, Sanganeri block prints, Leheriya. Kota, Gota Embroidery, Dabu prints, Bagru prints, Vanavasi Cotton, Toda Embroidery, Sungudi Cotton, Mallapanur silk, Rasipuram cottton, Negamam Cotton, Koorainadu, Kandangi Cotton, Masroo, Tanchoi, Bhujodi, Mekhla Chedder, and many more.

Check out the state-wise weaves of India and more:

https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/outreach/save-the-weave
https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/outreach/save-the-weave#celebrate-the-weaves

I have posted this article to show you the library where you can gather more knowledge about the weaves of India. Take a look and explore. Saree lovers and individual saree sellers will find this website very helpful in sourcing new designs and clothes apart from enhancing their knowledge.

Related article: Timeless Fashion: Traditional Sarees of India

Prasanta Sarkar

Prasanta Sarkar is a textile engineer and a postgraduate in fashion technology from NIFT, New Delhi, India. He has authored 6 books in the field of garment manufacturing technology, garment business setup, and industrial engineering. He loves writing how-to guide articles in the fashion industry niche. He has been working in the apparel manufacturing industry since 2006. He has visited garment factories in many countries and implemented process improvement projects in numerous garment units in different continents including Asia, Europe, and South Africa. He is the founder and editor of the Online Clothing Study Blog.

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