Discover the Art of Assam Handloom

Experience the Intricate process of Weaving:

Creating an Assam handloom products such as Saree, Mekhela Sador, Stole, Curtains, Bed Spread, Fabric and all other handloom outcome is a traditional process that has been followed for generations. The state of Assam, in India produces 3 types of silk: Eri, Muga and Mulberry. These silks are often used in handloom products as they have soft textures and provide a unique finish to the product. Here is a step by step guide on how an Assamese handloom products are made.

Silk Rearing:
In this part of India three silkworms namely Eri, Muga and Mulberry are mainly reared. Among all these Eri silk is considered best for its tender texture which is why it mostly used as raw material in handlooms making. The worms are kept in controlled conditions where they are fed with specific leaves such as castor for Eri worms.

Cocoon Harvesting:
As soon as the worm reaches its full growth and starts spinning cocoon around itself, this cocoon is carefully taken out. In case of normal silk extraction pupa is killed to get silk filament but for eri production cocoons are collected after moth comes out naturally.

Silk Reeling:
Afterwards harvested eri cocoons need to be softened before processing so they’re boiled into water containing sericin – natural adhesive holding together various layers forming cocoon shell. Then softened filaments are pulled out from cocoons by skillful weaver using traditional wooden spinning wheel; while doing this he must keep evenness along all thread length thus achieving consistent thickness throughout entire textile surface being produced at later stages through weaving process.

Dyeing:
The silk yarn can be dyed using plant-based or mineral dyes obtained from roots, barks etc., found locally around us here too we have vibrant colors which come out beautifully when used on our fabrics especially those made by hands of skilled artisans who work day night tirelessly creating wonders one after another just like magic spells being casted over sleeping world waking up its every corner which could be seen from faraway places too if only we knew where to look at them. Once dyed the threads should be dried carefully prior weaving them so that colors stay fixed.

Warping:
On the warping frame, you put the dyed silk yarn in order to create the warp, which is the lengthwise thread of a saree. Every single thread is measured accurately and aligned according to the desired length and pattern of the saree.

Weaving:
The warp threads are fastened to a handloom and then you begin weaving. Usually Assam handloom sarees are woven on traditional pit looms or frame looms. With shuttles, skilled weavers interlace the weft yarn through the warp threads creating patterns and designs that are unique to Assam handloom sarees.

Beating and Tensioning:

A beater or reed is used by weavers after each weft insertion to beat it into place thereby ensuring tightness as well as uniformity for the fabric. Throughout weaving process, tension of warp threads is adjusted where necessary so that even selvages can be maintained while preventing distortion.

Finishing:
Different finishing processes are carried out on the saree after weaving so as to improve its texture and appearance. These may involve washing, starching or ironing among others. All loose ends or imperfections are neatly trimmed off while checking for quality in terms of overall finishing done on this garment piece called a sari from India (also spelled saree).

Embellishments (Optional):
Additional embellishments such as tassels making, embroidery work with sequins or beadwork can be done depending on design requirements for any given Assam handloom sari kind needed during decoration purposes.

Quality Check:
Finished saris have to undergo stringent checks before being released into market places; these include weave quality assessment vis-a-vis color fastness properties besides durability aspects too being considered important factors at this stage when evaluating whether finished products meet required standards set forth by manufacturers themselves involved therein production process chain management systems implemented within various organizations dealing directly with textile materials handling sector situated around different locations worldwide.

Packaging and Distribution:
Once approved, packaged for distribution within local markets where it may be sold through artisan coops or online platforms. Also the sarees can be distributed internationally to reach wider audiences who love them more than anything else because they represent true beauty in its simplest form ever seen before anywhere else on earth except India only.

By following these traditional processes with skill and care, artisans in Assam create exquisite handloom sarees that showcase the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the region. Each saree is a labor of love, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the artisans involved in its creation.