Ever wondered how Tussar silk sarees manage to retain their universal appeal among saree lovers and true connoisseurs? That has a lot to do with its rich history and traditional weaving techniques, making it a symbol of hand-woven cultural heritage above all else. Let’s learn more about them below.
The What & How of Tussar Silk:
What is Tussar silk? It is Tussar grown in India’s eastern states and regions, with the country being the world’s second-biggest producer of this special silk. Indian Tussar was called Kosa in Sanskrit texts and is harvested from forests. This explains why many call it wild silk, and it has an elaborate weaving process that you will find fascinating, to say the least!
- The first process is collecting the wild silkworm cocoons.
- They are then boiled in water to loosen sericin or the natural gum holding the fibers in place.
- The filament ends are then brushed out, before the threads being twisted and mixed into one yarn. Thereafter, degumming takes place by boiling the yarn with soap to eliminate any sericin that may still remain.
- Once the silk is soft and more lustrous than ever, the spun yarn is often dyed with and this is then loaded onto the handloom. The warp threads are then arranged with the necessary tension.
- The weft yarn is wound onto the shuttle, before the weavers pass the shuttle back and forth, interlacing the weft and warp threads together to make the fabric.
- After this slow, skillful, and painstaking process, the intricate designs are created with various techniques and colored threads.
- Once weaving is done, the fabric is cut from the loom and then it is washed and starched to give it a stiff texture.
- The edges are hemmed thereafter, with knotting of the tassels on the Pallu.
- The finished fabric then goes through quality checks before it is cleared for the handloom market.
Pricing & Authenticity Aspects:
If you want Tussar silk sarees with prices that are fair, you’ll have to do a thorough comparison check of pricing across multiple outlets and platforms. Remember that the prices will never be abysmally low, since there is a premium to be paid for the time, skill, craftsmanship, and exclusivity involved in the making process. That’s where you also have to identify authentic Tussar silk sarees smartly in order to make sure that you get what you’re paying for.
For starters, the texture should feel grainy and rough on the fingers, while it will have a natural shine as well. This will have a warm reflection, while synthetic silk substitutes usually have a silvery glow that looks and feels artificial and uniform. Real Tussar silk drapes really well, with suppleness going up over a period of time. Synthetic versions, in comparison, are usually stiffer by nature. If nothing else satisfies you, do a burn test. Take one thread from the saree (choosing one from the inside to avoid any damages) and hold it to the flame. Actual silk will burn without melting, leaving behind a black residue.
Invest in Time-Tested Handlooms:
As you can see, there’s a special appeal of Indian handlooms that’s hard to ignore! Tussar silk sarees are emblematic of the rich cultural heritage of Indian craftsmanship, weaving techniques, and traditional practices that have been preserved and passed down across generations. You should certainly invest in time-tested and appealing Tussar silk sarees and other Indian handlooms in case you want the right mix of unmatched quality, hand-crafted elegance, and cultural relevance.
That’s where identifying the best place to buy Tussar silk and other handloom sarees is important. Note that there may be several platforms and brands offering them, although the authenticity needs to be checked thoroughly. You should ideally go for a brand that works directly with weavers, thereby benefiting the entire artisan community. Kolkata’s Tamal Boutique, for instance, has its team of expert and skilled weavers who conjure these beauties to perfection. Get transparent updates on the making process, fair prices, and unmatched support here. So, what are you still waiting for? Go ahead and buy that classic Tussar silk saree for your wardrobe. You can thank us later!