The Finesse of The Loom Made Sarees

The Finesse of The Loom Made Sarees

Many people think that the handloom and the powerloom are the same kind of instruments used for weaving cloth and tapestry but they do have some distinguishing features. Let’s find out what they are. But first, you have to know what a loom actually is.

What is a Loom?

It is a device that is used for weaving threads for stitching a cloth. The main purpose of the loom is to hold the threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the threads. The shape of the thread and the mechanics may vary but the function is basic for all types of yarn. The development of this machine has aided many people to have dresses in affordable prices. This machine is only utilised for weaving.

What is a Handloom?

handloom sarees maker

This machine has a simple set up and is used for weaving. In a vertical shaft looms the heddles are fixed in place intact in the shaft. The loom is powered and operated by hand. The warp thread passes alternatively in the heddle it goes through a space between the heddle called as the shed. The handlooms are worked by experienced artisans’ and their families’ long time in this prestigious trade.

What is a Powerloom?

automatic power loom machine 500x500

The powerloom works more mechanically than a handloom as the name suggests. It uses the machine power instead of the manual labour. The powerloom is a fantastic invention that combines the thread into the wondrous design to create cloth. The powerlooms are organised into the weaving shed of a mill. It is driven and powered by the steam engine by the belts from an overhead shafting. The powerlooms are used more than the handlooms and are considered faster and advanced than it.

Learn the Difference Handloom and Powerloom Sarees

The sarees made in these machines differ in design, quality and price. If you are confused on what is what, here are the few tips to identify the sarees origin. Is it  man-made or machine- made?

  • The handloom sarees are softer and smoother than the sarees made in the powerloom. The sarees that are created in the powerloom machine are slightly rougher when felt by hand.
  • There is some minute unevenness in a handloom saree. If you look closely you can find clots on the pallu and the borders. Actually, many saree lovers think that these are not actually flaws but rather a charm added to the handcrafted sarees.
  • A handloom saree mostly contains a pin mark or holes on the top of the lower part of the saree. This happens because of the pinning of the sarees to the ‘khaat’ of the wooden loom to form a tension while the process of weaving is done.
  • Handloom sarees have extra threads left at the end of the pallu of the saree. This is called the ‘gonda’ in the local language also known widely as ‘tussel’.

The Tips to Identify Authentic Handloom Saree

The Pallu will Speak

If the saree is hand-woven the pallu will be the same as the design of the front. In powerloom sarees, there will be no imitations like this. The intricacy and the cutting edge design will definitely make you label the saree as the original.

The Power of Colour 

The naturally dyed colour is simply pleasing to the eye. They are also harmonious. The synthetic dyes are harsh and bleak. The natural colours are not available in pure colours because of the impurities in them.

 The Highlight of The Embroidery

The machine made designs are no match for the handloom artisans who are making timeless embroideries that are intricate and precious. These are also the indicators of the real one from the fake.

These are some of the tips you can use to find out the sarees that are unsurpassed in quality in the market.

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