Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Patola Weaving
Patola Weaving
One of the most beautiful products of the Indian handloom and the most colourful of ancient Indian Textiles.

Share this Article:

Patola WeavingPatola is one of the finest dyed fabrics produced anywhere in the world and seen at its best in the silk wedding saris of Khathiwar and Gujarat. Patolas are one of the most beautiful products of the Indian handloom and among the most colourful of ancient Indian Textiles.

Fine Art Patola weaving
The famous Patola weaving of Patan is known for its colourful and strikingly beautiful patterns. It is characterised by tie and dye work.Some of the important designs are rattan chowk, in which diamonds cross with diamonds as they are interspersed around walnut, narikunja, dancing girl, parrot and elephant, chhabri is a basket made up by four elephants, waghkunjar, tiger-elephant. Also there is a variety of leaf and flower and geometrical patterns. The colours are vivid and pleasantly harmonised.

Procedure of making Patola Sarees
In making patolas, silk is always used as a yarn. The warp colours are dyed in the lightest colour to be used in the pattern, then the portions which are to be the next darker in shade are traced on a bundle of the threads either by charcoal or pencil. After completion of dyeing work of warps & wefts, the threads of the warp of different repeats of a pattern are put together in a sequence on the loom, so that the design becomes visible. The threads of wefts are wound on to bobbins and kept in the bamboo shuttle for weaving process.
Patola Weaving
The threads with in the pattern are then tightly tied with a cotton thread where the marks are made. The formula continued with threads that are to bear the next shades of the pattern until the darkest shades are reached. The weft is treated in the same way so that while weaving it crosses the warp, each of its colours synchronise with the same warp. In the weaving the weft is woven proper into the warp with extreme dexterity and precision. Thus the desired figures are obtained by juxtaposition of similarly dyed shades on equal lengths of warp and weft, and interlacing them.

The patola is woven on a primitive hand operated harness loom made out of rosewood and bamboo strips. The loom lies at a slant, with the left side being lower than the right side. The bamboo shuttle is made to move to and fro through warp shades. Each weft thread is thoroughly examined and matched with each part of the warp design pattern while weaving.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Bamboo and Cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Bamboo and cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh have a huge variety from utility items.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.
Crafts of Jharkhand
Mainly dominated by the tribal art the crafts of Jharkhand reflect the color of the state. The handicrafts of this young tribal state are mainly made from naturally available resources and serve the purpose of daily utility.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
Bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland flourish due to the abundant supply of these two materials in the forests of this Indian state.
Crafts of Punjab
Crafts of Punjab have a good demand not only in the local market but also abroad. They present a perfect combination of artistic designs and vibrant colours.
Crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The indigenous crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, speak volumes of the creativity of the people of the region.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the creations.
Terracotta Art in India
Terracotta Art in India traces its history to ancient periods. Various forms of terracotta were found in the excavations of Indus Valley Civilisation and India has been the cradle of terracotta art. The art gradually evolved and made its way to different regions of the country in varied forms.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya display miscellaneous items that catch the fancy of all.
Wood Craft of Manipur
The ancient Indian craft of Wood Craft has seen its evolution in Manipur, from the traditional artistic designs which still sustain their appeal to tourists, to modern utilitarian crafts.
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu is especially known for the six metre high horses. The terracotta form of art is more pronounced in the temples housing the deity of Ayanaar.
Metal Crafts of Manipur
The metal craft of Manipur encompasses the process of smelting of iron from ores and making products in addition to ones made from other metals of brass, copper, bell metal, gold and aluminium.
Ivory Craft in India
Ivory Craft is engraving and carving on ivory that is a medium of artistic expression practiced in many parts of India.
Cane Craft
Cane craft in India showcases the remarkable artistry and skill of artisans. Utilizing the versatile material of cane, they create a diverse range of exquisite products ranging from furniture and baskets to home decor items and accessories.
Applique of Rajasthan
‘Appliqué’ work in Rajasthan echoes the magic of colour whilst offering that oriental charm of multicoloured harmony.
Bamboo Crafts in India
Bamboo crafts in India show a wide variety. Furniture, showpieces, and various home decors made out of bamboo add extra richness to the looks of the house. The art has also expanded to home utility items across the country.
Stone Carving of Manipur
Stone Carving of Manipur primarily encompasses household products like earthen pots and utensils, in the contemporary scenario.
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage that is displayed in the creations.
Aftaba - Metal Craft
Aftaba or Ewer is essentially a Mughal discovery in India. Aftabas were generally used to carry liquids. The vessel generally has a curved shape.
String Puppets of Karnataka
String puppets of Karnataka are hugely popular among the native people as well as in the other states.