What is Chettinad Cotton?

What is Chettinad Cotton?

This blog is meant to educate,introduce, enlighten all of us about Chettinad Cotton. This handloom is quite popular and well know among cotton saree lovers. I personally love their colours and motifs used. They are also popular for their ability to stay cool and absorb sweat during hot and humid temperatures.

Traditionally Chettinad saree was woven in Karaikudi and Chettinadu areas which is located at 57 Kms away from Sivagangai District Headquarters. Chettinad cotton saree is relatively thicker. These sarees usually comes in striking colours that are achieved through a deft combination of stripes, checks and colour contrasts. 

Chettinad Cotton sarees are normally woven with 60s Cotton warp and 60s Cotton weft. The extra warp designs are woven with the use of Dobby. Chettinad sarees are woven with pit looms and fly shuttle weaving technique. The traditional type of spreading the warp behind the loom i.e. ball warp, are used. By using small stripes in different colour at the joining of the borders on both sides in warp way adds beauty of the sarees. The size of the borders are comparatively broader than any ordinary sarees. The pallu of the sarees were woven with weft stripe. The major communities involved in weaving Chettinad Cotton sarees are Devanga chettiyars who are the skilled weavers from ancient days. Traditionally, 3 shuttles were used to obtain contrast solid coloured borders in both sides of the saree.