Reference
Handloom glossary
The vocabulary of Indian handloom — terms you'll encounter in articles, on labels, and in artisan studios.
B
- Buti
- A small repeating motif scattered across the body of a saree.
I
- Ikat
- A resist-dyeing technique where yarns are tied and dyed before weaving, producing characteristic blurred patterns.
J
- Jamdani
- A discontinuous-weft technique in which decorative motifs are added by hand during weaving on a fine muslin ground.
P
- Pallu
- The decorative end of a saree, draped over the shoulder. Often the most ornate section.
- Pitni
- The interlocking weave used in Kanjivaram sarees to join contrasting body and border colours invisibly.
Z
- Zari
- Metallic thread (originally pure gold or silver, now mostly silver-gilt or polyester-coated) used in brocade weaving.