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Design Resource
Dharmavaram Silk Weaving
The Making of Silk Threads
by
Introduction
Dharmavaram is located at a distance of 47 KM from Anantapur district in the state of Andhra Pradesh India. Dharmavaram is well-connected by both by rail and road. Dharmavaram Sarees are traditionally woven in the interlocked-weft technique. The design required on the saree is initially drawn in a computer and then this is punched into a card and then these cards are loaded in Jacquard in the loom. First the yarn is loaded as warp and then loaded into the loom. The weavers use their hands and legs to weave the Sari. It requires approximately 4-5 days (depending on the variety of sari and capability of weaver) of continuous efforts of two persons for weaving a sari. Handloom weaving is the largest source of employment in Dharmavaram. Dharmavaram silk sarees are famous for its broad solid colored borders with contrast pallu woven with brocaded gold patterns. The wedding sarees manufactured at Dharmavaram are highly appreciated. Simpler patterns for everyday use have the specialty of being woven in two colours which give an effect of muted double shades accentuated by the solid color border and pallu. The muted colours, the double shades create a total different effect that adds a striking appeal to the saree.
