Silk Weaving - Bannerghatta
Silk was originally weaved/woven by hand and still happens that way. With the introduction of different kinds of power looms and mechanized reeling and tools, the process has become easier and faster. The weavers of Bannerghatta still use the handlooms of same process of loading the warp threads from warp beam onto horizontal beams and weaving with the help of a heddle and foot pedal. The fly- shuttle is inserted into the opened warp shed to process the weft. The motif designs are created by adding extra weft of Zari-golden threads. Jacquard mechanism is used to create intricate design on the sari. Weaver uses different colors of spindles according to the design and motifs. The formed cloth is reeled to the weavers beam. After weaving 6.5 meters i.e. one sari is cut and folded in a systematic manner for marketing.
It takes nearly 4 to 5 days to complete one sari using handloom system. In case of power looms, the production is faster when compared to the handlooms. The length of 10 saris warp is loaded into the loom at a time. The weaver may need help of one or two persons while working.
