We all know that paithani saree is hand woven by skilled artisans so it is famous, but it is very important to know what materials are involved in making this saree. So you will understand the value of Paithani! It will definitely help to understand whether it is semi fake or real fake. In the previous articles we have seen the history of paithani as well as the place where it is made, all those things have been seen in it. Following is the list of major materials used in making paithani sarees.
Silk thread: High quality silk thread is an important material used in paithani sarees. Silk is usually obtained from the cocoons of silkworms and is known for its luster and soft and smooth texture.
Jari (metallic thread) : Jari is a metallic thread, made of gold or silver, used for embroidery in paithani sarees and for weaving saree edges. It also enhances the quality and beauty of the saree.
Dyeing Materials: Natural and artificial dyes are used to color the silk thread. Traditional Paithani sarees are known for their exquisite and contrasting colors.
Jacquard Loom : Jacquard loom is used to weave beautiful designs and embroidery. These looms help create the characteristic embroideries and borders of paithani sarees.
Jala (Pit Loom): Jala or pit loom is a traditional handloom, used to weave Paithani sarees. Skilled weavers operate these machines to create intricate patterns and designs.
Design Patterns: Paithani sarees require design patterns to create specific embroideries and borders. These patterns guide weavers through the difficult weaving process.
Cardboard cutouts: Cardboard cutouts are used to create Jala or pit loom patterns. These cutouts are placed in the loom to guide the weavers in creating intricate designs.
Bobbin : The bobbin is used to hold the silk threads during the weaving process. It helps the weavers to work in a smooth and uniform place.
Loom Materials: Various materials like shuttles, heddles and reed hooks are used in weaving Jacquard and pit looms.
Finishing Materials : After the weaving process, the sarees undergo a finishing process to enhance their appearance and texture, which includes washing, starching and ironing.
Skilled Artisans : Skilled artisans along with weavers, dyers and designers play an important role in the manufacturing process of Paithni sarees.
Method of dyeing raw silk for embroidery
Raw silk yarn is dyed, i.e. raw silk is colored, then the yarn is washed and the yarn is dried. The dried thread is then loosened and wound into a reel. And those reels are sent to the weavers to weave the paithni.
There are 2 methods of making paithani sarees. As follows
Handloom Paithani
- Paithani sarees made on handloom are called authentic Paithani sarees.
- Paithani on handlooms are made by the artisans on handlooms. Paithni padar, kath and butti are all made by hand without using any machine.
- It takes a whole day to set the silk threads on the handloom.
- Before starting the Paithani embroidery work, the desired Paithani picture is made on a piece of paper by the artist.
- This paper is then set under the paithani on the handloom and the weaving of the paithani is started accordingly.
- Depending on the embroidery on the saree, how much time it takes to make paithani is decided.
- Paithni weaving on handloom is done from the back side. The back and front of this saree are identical.
- Paithani takes a minimum of 15 to 20 days and a maximum of 6 to 12 months.
Powerloom paithani
- This paithani is made on machine.
- It takes a lot of time to make paithani on handloom, so with time, paithani started to be made on machine and also took less time.
- Threads are visible from the back side of machine made paithan.
- The paithani made in the machine is called semi paithani.
The production of Paithni sarees is a very labor intensive process. which involves the coordination of various skilled artisans and the use of traditional techniques. The use of silk, zari and embroidery makes Paithani sarees very beautiful and popular with everyone.
Leave a comment