About Khadi
The word Khadi is derived from “Khaddar”, a term used for hand-spun and handwoven natural fabric that is famous for its versatility and breathability, keeping the body warm in winter and cool during summer. Archaeological artifacts, such as clay spindles (for spinning), bone tools (for weaving), and figures dressed in woven fabrics, suggest that the Indus Valley Civilization had a thriving textile culture. The process of hand spinning and hand weaving has been in India for a thousand years now, thus making Khadi an ancient fabric. Khadi is a hallmark of Indian textile heritage and over the years with different modifications and changes, Khadi became more refined and finally found its revival from Mahatma Gandhi. He understood the potential of Khadi and made it a tool of being self-reliant, and independent and bringing the economy of villages back to life. The linking of Khadi with the Swadeshi movement of 1907 also known as the “Make in India” campaign, gave the fabric immense popularity and a sense of acceptance among the citizens. Gandhi promoted the simplicity of this fabric and spread the message of boycotting all foreign goods during the movement, hence making Khadi a symbol of resistance. Almost every state in India produces khadi fabric with slightly different variations in weaving style, providing an opportunity for skilled workers and helping build the country’s economy. But as we entered the twenty-first century, with the wave of industrialization, there came a gap between this ancient fabric and the young generations who opt for all things fast and fashionable.
At Weavers Stores, our vision is to revive and support the fading local hand-weaving communities across India by experimenting with Khadi fabric and making fashionable designs that are relevant, accessible, and affordable to the current age, while keeping the integrity of the fabrics intact. Making Khadi is slow-paced, almost meditative and these fabrics are handwoven by craftsmen with magic in their fingers with no electricity or power looms. The production consumes minimal energy and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. As a sustainable brand, we have made a conscious choice to question every process and ask if we can do it better. All of our fabrics come from an environment that does not abuse the earth and they are made in our production unit. While Khadi is usually cotton, our premium design collections are made using Khadi Ahimsa silk, also known as peace silk/cruelty-free silk, which refers to the type of silk that is produced without harming the silkworms. This is in contrast to conventional silk, whereby cocoons are steamed, boiled, or dried in the sun, killing the silk larva inside.
Clothes do have consciousness and they are vessels for energy. Every piece of fabric esoterically has a unique intrinsic energy and when we wear that clothing it is an addition to our aura. As a result, the energy of the clothing begins to affect our consciousness, our thoughts, and our emotions. The people making the clothing, the process it goes through, the love that is put into the fabric, and the effort behind its creation are the factors that affect the energy and aura of our clothing. Society as a whole is more in alignment with energy and consciousness than ever before and whether we realize it or not, we are buying fashion not just for aesthetic reasons but we are also realizing that certain clothing has certain energy. High-frequency fabrics like khadi, linen, organic cotton, and hemp impart energy, while synthetic fabrics exhibit lower frequencies, potentially draining our energy. At Weavers Stores each piece of fabric and clothing is carefully designed to elevate you, using Khadi fibers with a high vibrational level and healing properties.
Textiles Of India
In the realm of textile creation, artistry meets heritage. We're privileged to collaborate with families of skilled craftsmen, guardians of ancient Indian hand-weaving techniques. Together, we breathe new life into traditional crafts, reimagining timeless patterns with innovative flair. Our vision is to preserve and promote India's rich handcrafted textile legacy. We develop an exclusive array of fabrics using premium natural yarns, showcasing the best of Indian craftsmanship. Our collection includes Khadi cotton, khadi muslin, khadi linen, khadi silk, and indigenous handloom fabrics like Kasavu, expertly woven in clusters in Kerala. Each fabric is a testament to the skill of our artisans, who employ diverse techniques, hues, and patterns to create authentic, premium textiles that embody the soul of India's textile heritage.
At the heart of our brand lies a profound commitment to ethical and sustainable textile production. We have been working closely with more than 200 textile artisans from across India to produce ethical fabrics and sustainable handwoven textiles using indigenous weaves. For surface ornamentation using various weaving, printing, and dyeing techniques we turn to our artisan communities located in Gondal, Padiyur, Payyanur, Kannur, Balaramapuram, Kuthampully, and Munnar. We now work with 12 weaving clusters and as the brand grows, we aim to provide training to the rest of the community, especially women, to create a robust ecosystem in Kannur and reinstate their former glory as producers of some of the finest fabrics and 70% of textile export from Kerala. We also experiment with a variety of printing techniques like Hand block printing, Ajrakh, Kalamkari, Madhubani, Warli art, Eco printing, and dyeing techniques like Batik and Bandhani.
Khadi cotton is a type of fabric that is made from cotton and is woven into khadi fabric, which is defined by the unique way it is woven and has a distinctive texture and a somewhat irregular appearance. Khadi cotton fabric is lightweight, breathable, and soft, and it is commonly used to make clothing and home textiles.
Khadi muslin is a refined version of khadi made from cotton and is known for its softness. It has a thread count between 100 and 600 and has a historical significance in the Indian textile industry. It was suppressed by British colonial policies during the 18th century and has seen revival efforts in modern-day Bengal.
Khadi linen is a type of fabric that is made from linen and is woven according to traditional methods. It has a higher thread count, which means the fabric is lightweight and of higher quality. Made from natural materials, khadi linen is breathable, hypoallergenic, sustainable, and 100% biodegradable. It produces zero waste, requires minimal water and pesticides in the production process, and becomes softer, and more absorbent with each wash.
Khadi silk is a type of fabric that combines the durability of cotton with the luxurious feel of silk. It is often used to make clothing and home textiles that are lightweight, and breathable with a soft texture and a smooth feel. Considered as a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric option, Khadi Ahimsa Silk, also known as peace silk/cruelty-free silk, is produced without harming the silkworms. This is in contrast to conventional silk, whereby cocoons are steamed, boiled, or dried in the sun, killing the larva inside.
Kerala Kasavu is a type of fabric that is made from cotton and has an off-white color with distinctive golden zari borders called “Kasavu”. These golden borders symbolize prosperity, wealth, and affluence. It is a traditional type of clothing in the Indian state of Kerala and is often worn as sarees and dhotis during festivals, weddings, religious ceremonies, and other special occasions.
Ajrakh is a unique form of textile block printing found primarily in Sindh and the village of Ajrakhpur in the Kutch district of Gujarat. Known for intricate resist printing techniques using hand-carved wooden blocks and a vibrant color palette, they tell stories of ancient traditions and cultural heritage through geometric patterns, floral designs, and natural dyes, reflecting the rich tapestry of India.
Kalamkari is an ancient Indian art form that means “pen-work” in Persian. This intricate technique involves hand painting and block printing on fabric using natural dyes and organic ingredients. Originating in the temples of Andhra Pradesh, Kalamkari artisans use a kalam (pen) to draw designs and narratives from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, as well as nature-inspired motifs.
Madhubani, also known as Mithila art, is a traditional art form originating from the Mithila region of Bihar. It is characterized by intricate and vibrant paintings done on fabric using natural dyes and pigments. Madhubani art is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore, depicting scenes from these tales, and is known for its unique geometric patterns, floral motifs, and lively depictions of animals, trees, and human figures.
Warli printing is a traditional art form originating from the Warli tribe in Maharashtra. This ancient art form known for its unique and simplistic depictions of rural life, mythology, and nature is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, stick figures, and intricate patterns, all created using a combination of rice paste and gum as a printing medium. It is deeply rooted in the tribe's cultural heritage, with each piece telling a story of their daily lives, rituals, and beliefs.
Eco-printing is a sustainable and innovative technique that uses natural materials like leaves, flowers, and branches to create unique and intricate designs on fabric. Also known as botanical printing, this process involves placing plant material on fabric and allowing it to naturally dye and imprint its shape and pattern. Eco-printing is a zero-waste, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly process that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and promotes sustainability in the textile industry.
Hand block printing is a traditional technique that involves carving intricate designs onto wooden or metal blocks, which are then used to stamp patterns onto fabric. This labor-intensive process requires great skill and precision, as artisans carefully align and print each block by hand, creating a unique and imperfect beauty. This ancient technique has been passed down through generations, preserving the cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of various regions.
Batik is an ancient textile art form that originated in Indonesia and has since spread to other parts of the world. It has been practiced in India for centuries, with different regions developing their distinctive styles and methods. This intricate technique involves applying wax to the fabric, then dyeing it, and repeating the process to create complex patterns and designs. The wax resists the dye, allowing the artisan to achieve vibrant colors and precise control over the design.
Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, is a traditional Indian textile art form that involves tie-dyeing fabric to create intricate and beautiful patterns. This ancient technique originated in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, where artisans would tie threads around sections of fabric to resist the dye, creating unique designs. The fabric is then dyed, and the threads are removed, revealing the distinctive Bandhani patterns.
GRATITUDE NOTE:
From the depth of our hearts, we thank you for choosing to support small businesses like ours. Every purchase you make has a profound impact on the lives of our artisanal communities and their families. By working with us, you are directly contributing to the preservation of the ancient art form of handwoven textiles, which would otherwise be at risk of disappearing. Your support goes beyond mere commerce; it ensures the livelihood of hundreds of skilled weavers, funds the education of their children, and provides healthcare for their families. Most importantly, it inspires the next generation to continue this timeless craft. We are forever grateful for your trust in us and your commitment to sustainable, ethical fashion. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us make a difference, one thread at a time.
SIZING:
At Weavers Stores, our range of ready-to-wear garments, in hand-crafted textiles are available in inclusive standard sizes. We have devised our size charts after extensive research and anthropometric studies. Our fanatical attention to the design process, and the numerous protocols instituted at the design house that go into creating the unique aesthetic and fit of our clothes, are vouched by our diehard clientele.
Handwoven
Indian Art and Craft inspire our collections and we support artisans by showcasing their handcrafted fabric through our designs.
Highest Quality
All designs are made by the best craftsmen who ensure the highest quality of each style that is being produced.
Authentic Khadi
All our fabrics are handwoven with utmost care from KVIC approved clusters, hence we guarantee 100% authenticity.