Chanderi

CHANDERI

Nestled amidst hills, lakes and forest is a small town of CHANDERI. Apart from the land of several monuments of Bundel Rajputs and other kings, this place is cradle to one of the most exquisite weaves of our country popularly known as C H A N D E R I

The weaving tradition of Chanderi is very old and ancient. The sari weaving began somewhere around 13^th century when Koshti weavers from not so far Jhansi shifted to Chanderi and settled there. The Mughal period marks the golden time of Chanderi weaves.

Almost every house in Chanderi is indulged in some or other way to bring this weave to the world. They fabric is woven by people in their homes and in certain community set up as well.

At Swades creations we bring to you sarees, Dupattas, Suits and stoles that are completely handwoven with the traditional Chanderi weaving process. We are proud to say that we support directly/ indirectly 230 families by promoting their products through us.

Chanderi is also known as the “Fabric of the royalty” – most of the royal families have adopted the fabric since centuries now. Its one of the richest and finest fabric.

What is Chanderi fabric made of? 

Chanderi fabric is always a blend of silk in the warp and cotton in the weft. And that is the reason why it is breathable and easy to wear fabric. 

Chanderi sarees are a delicate blend of silk in the warp and fine cotton in the weft with gold borders known as “Asavali” that makes them very light and wearable in almost all seasons. Chanderi sarees are usually have gold or silver zari motifs that are handwoven.

The process involves first the designing by master weaver on a grid sheet where all the intersections of warp and weft are set beforehand. Followed by dyeing of the silk yarn and then reeling them to be used for weaving. And then the loom is set which is another 4-5 days process depending on the complexity of the design. The entire process is very much labour intensive. Woven in pit looms, the intricacy of the weave takes two men to work the loom. Three shuttles are used to weave the border.

The buttis are made by zari with the help of separate heddles that are inserted into the weave during the weaving process. The buttis are very neatly done and no threads emerge when observed from back side as well. The butti motifs are inspired by nature and architecture around and includes flowers, coins, jaal designs and so on. The designs bear close resemblance to the marble inlay work found in Mughal architecture and artifacts.

The Chanderi fabric or sarees do not require any post weaving processing and are straight away packed to be sold. So on an average to make one saree starting from designing to end it takes more than a month to weave. The beautiful and gorgeous Chanderi sarees, dupattas, suits and stoles surely takes the breadth away.