Handloom Fabric.

Handloom is a fabric woven on a loom, which is manually operated by the weaver with his hands. Every individual fabric that is made by different artist resemble uniqueness. Even if one artist is making fabrics, then all the fabrics would have versatile touch. This is the beauty of handloom fabric. No pattern is followed on all kinds of fabrics, it directly depends upon the skills of the artists. The imperfection in the handloom is the reason why it looks so amazing. Immense patience, warmth, love, and hope are woven in the threads then as a result handloom fabric is made. The ancient heritage and culture are maintained by these skilled artisans that are continuing the traditions. The only way that their skills can be justified and work can be appreciated is by buying the handloom fabrics. Due to the invention of modern technology, people have moved to power looms, to get work done. 

History 

If sources are to be believed then, it is a strong belief that the Indus Valley Civilization is the originator of Handlooms in India. Initially, when handloom was started in local areas, the whole process was self-reliant. The raw material came from the farmers or foresters, and it was transformed by weavers themselves. Handy instruments were used during the process and finally, it was converted into clothing product. During the British rule in India, imported yarns were more incorporated which led to job and business losses in the handloom sector. In the 1960s Handloom fabric was used a lot by people but after the import of different fabrics started taking place, the use of handloom fabric became less. 

Contribution to the textile Industry

The competition from different power looms industries have been going on and on, but the Handloom sector has maintained its position, by gaining support from the government. Many schemes are incorporated to uplift this sector. This sector contributes 19% of the total cloth produced in the country. Just because it is handloom doesn’t mean they are not up to the level of modern designing. The handloom sector is the most creative and innovative when it comes to design on the fabric. These fabrics are different because it solely depends on the individual making the fabric. A different pattern is observed, and one can easily point out that. 

Production of Handloom Fabric-

The process of making the handloom fabric is done step by step as follows-

1) Raw material selection

Cotton, silk, wool, and linen are mostly used for raw materials and it depends on different regions. 

2) Yarn Making

The raw material is converted into a continuous interlocked cylindrical bunch and is spun on Charkha to make it compact.

3)Dyeing

It is done in small lots using natural or chemical colors. Care is taken while dying the fabric.

4)Warping and sizing

A parallel arrangement of winding yarn from the bobbin to the warp beam is done. After that the yarn is strengthened and lubricated, it is called sizing. 

5) Weaving fabrics

Weaving is done with the help of foot pedals, that is synced with throwing the weft yarns and respective heddles. No electricity is used; hence it is called Handloom. 

In this way, the handloom fabrics are manufactured. 

Regions of India producing Handloom fabrics-

The major handloom producing regions are Varanasi, Godda, Shiva Sagar, Virudhunagar, Prakasam, Bhagalpur, Guntur, and Trichy. There has been a continuous improvement in manufacturing these fabrics because of the competition that is offered by numerous textile industries. 

Price Range-

The price range of the Handloom fabric is very low. It starts from 239 INR/ meter to 289 INR/ meter. Every region of India has a different price range, that depends on their respective costs.

Uses-

These fabrics can be drawn into many outfits and casual wear. Sarees, shirts, tops, Kurtis, trousers, sleepwear, and many more. This Fabric is used in various ways and it also depends on the raw materials that are used to make the fabric.