Handloom fabrics manually woven on the loom have an uneven surface. They may consist of Knots, extra threads, or pulls around the borders and this minor unevenness creates a unique texture. Meanwhile, a power loom saree will have a uniform appearance and lack the inconsistencies that give an attractive appeal to the fabric.
Some intricate weaving techniques like Kadhua, Kadiyal, or Rangkaat are painstaking hand-weaving techniques where the weft is used in complicated ways to achieve one-of-a-kind patterns. These cannot be replicated in a Powerloom setup.
Due to intense manual labor and intricate techniques, the cost of handloom sarees is higher than that of Powerloom sarees. Since they are machine-made, the cost of production is much lower, and they can be mass-produced easily offering more budget-friendly options.
The manual weaving process involves art and science. It requires highly skilled weavers to create timeless traditional patterns. The allure of their creations lasts more than a lifetime and is often passed down generations. It is impossible to achieve the same level of craftsmanship with a power loom saree as there is minimal room for intricate detailing.
The thread count of the fabric woven in a manually operated loom is fewer than a power loom, making it more breathable with free passage of air. The usage of natural fibers ensures that handlooms are more skin-friendly.
Handloom fabrics are woven meticulously with a lot of importance given to the quality of yarns and the overall weaving process. This ensures that wear and tear is lesser compared to the powerloom fabric. The mass production of power loom fabrics compromises the overall quality of the finished product.
Since handloom sarees are crafted manually, there could be minor inconsistencies in the pattern that elevate its uniqueness. Powerloom sarees will be consistent with precise patterns all over the saree
If one is looking for something exquisite and rare, Handloom is the go-to choice. Only a few sarees of the same pattern can be made at a time, making each saree a prized procession.
Some exquisite varieties of silks cannot be created using a power loom as they are extremely fine and delicate and may cause breakage. The pressure exerted by a power loom thins out the fabric, similar fabrics that come out of a handloom are heavier and have more body giving it a luxiurious look.
A handwoven saree begins with the weaver and their family preparing the loom, yarns, and dye. Using ancestral skills, each creation becomes a timeless masterpiece with intricate details, showcasing talent and craftsmanship that a power loom saree cannot replicate.
Aparna Thygarajan, Co-Founder, Shobitam