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    Shawls

     Woolen Shawl Online - Their Intricate Works And Designs

    Woolen shawls are a must for colder months, not only are they warm, shawls also make for an exquisite fashion accesso...

     Woolen Shawl Online - Their Intricate Works And Designs

    Woolen shawls are a must for colder months, not only are they warm, shawls also make for an exquisite fashion accessory. These woolen accessories have for the longest time been a source of warmth and comfort. While there are many types of woolen shawls available, iTokri houses gorgeous handwoven woolen shawls from Kutch, Gujarat. 


    Origins Of Kutch Embroidery


    It is believed that the Kutch embroidery was introduced by ‘Kathi’ or cattle breeders who displayed some fine needleart based on themes and patterns that goes back to the 16th -17th century. Much of the credit for the traditional kutch embroidery can be attributed to Persians and Afghans who came to settle  Gujarat. It is even believed that even shoemakers of the time were taught the needlework art of Kutch by muslim gypies close to 3 centuries ago in Sindh. However, today’s Kutch embroidery is unique to the region and influences of Kutch and its people.There are many types of Kutch embroidery that are now clubbed with Sindhi tradition and have their own styles  and motifs such asSuf, Khaarek, andPaako, Rabari, Garasia Jat andMutava.

    What Is Kachchhi Embroidery?

    The Kachchhi embroidery or Kutch work embroidery is one of the most easily recognisable embroidery styles associated with Gujarat and one of India’s most famous textiles. Aptly known after its origins in the state of Gujarat from Kutch and Saurashtra, this embroidery is characterized by its vibrant colors, mirrors, beads, and intricate needlework that is spread across the hand woven woolen fabric.  

    Kutch woolen shawl is decorated with a mix of contrasting colors and elaborate needlework embroidery, different embroidery styles and motifs and is one of India’s most popular textiles, creating a detailed design. 

    Hand-crafted by the women of Gujarat in Kutch, these woolen shawls are of fine quality kumaun handwoven, pure merino woolen shawl from Uttarakhand. Using wool and natural fibers, Kilmora’s collection evolves continuously due to traditional hand-looming techniques and contemporary design sensibilities. 

     

    Inspiration

    Kutch embroidery finds its inspiration in architectural designs and motifs such asHeer Bharat, which is an embroidery done in Rajasthan using mirror work and beads. In Kutch this is also known as Banni embroidery. While the prominent colours  Heer Bharat embroidery as red, yellow and pinks, Kuchchhi embroidery’s main colours range from Ivory, indigo, black, deep reds, subtle yellows and off-whites. 

    If you look closely, many of the motifs are inspired by nature including humans. You will find dancing figurines, peacocks and many mughal or persian art inspired motifs too. The work is so intricate that it takes days to make elaborate and detailed motifs on a shawl with great finesse. Much of the embroidery is done on cotton and silk and woven woolen shawls.  

    Variety Of Kutch Embroidery

    Suf,  Khaarek,and  Paako, Rabari, Garasia Jat  and  Mutava  are seven distinct styles of kutch embroidery.


    Suf:  Based on a triangle stitch called ‘suf’, here the stitch is worked from the back. Master artisans never make a draft of any pattern on the cloth, instead they stitch directly on the cloth by making symmetrical patterns with intricately small triangles. 

    Khaarek:  This kind of embroidery is done all over the cloth with structured geometric patterns outlined with black squares. These are then filled with bands of satin stitching that are worked along the warp and weft from the front. 

    Paako:  Paako means solid and hence can be defined as a tight square chain with a double buttonhole stitch embroidery. You will find mostly  floral motifs arranged in symmetrical patterns that are traced beforehand in mud with needle. 

    Rabari:  This embroidery can be found in a variety of patterns done in a chain stitch pattern using mirrors. These are then decorated with stitches using vibrant colours such reds and yellows.

    Jat:  Jat embroidery comes from the nomadic sect of people called Garasia who originated from the outskirts of Kutch. This embroidery technique is based on cross-stitch done using very small mirrors. 

    Mutava:  An embroidery style that is inspired by all the above embroidery varieties is called Mutava. 

    How To Care For Kutch Embroidery Shawl

    Usually the woolen fabric that the embroidery is done on is very sturdy. However since the nature of the thread work is intricate and has many beads and mirrors running across the design, it is recommended to always have the shawls dry cleaned for the shawl and the embroidery to last long. 

    Why Buy From iTokri?

    iTokri houses the finest and most authentic   Indian handicraft artefacts.  All our products are directly sourced from master artisans and shipped to the customers to ensure that we provide the most authentic products. iTokri believes in building a long-lasting and trusting relationship with its customers across the globe. Our vast collection of   Indian crafts,   clothing,  jewellery and accessories  is unmatched online. 

     Since winter is right around the corner, here is our extensive collection of categories for winter-  winter clothing,  Knitted Woolens Online,  Stoles for Winters,  Woolen Socks,Mufflers for Winters,  Woolen Fabrics and  Hand Knitted Warmers. One of our most popular products is thewoolen shawl handmade. 

     We are also your one-stop-shop for dupattas,   Indian fabrics,   handloom sarees,  and   Diwali gifts online. We take bulk orders too.

     FAQs 

    What is the difference between a shawl and a scarf?

    A shawl and a scarf are like apples and oranges! Shawls are finished woolen fabrics that are long and shaped like ovals, rectangles, or squares. You can cover your shoulders with them. Shawls are made to feel you warm and fuzzy through the winter. 

    They’re used for several occasions, sometimes for daily wear, classic wear, and even formal wear. You can findsilk shawls onlineto match formal sarees and kurtis. Cotton shawls are worn during summer for fashion too! You canbuy shawls online at Itokri. 

    On the other than, scarves are mufflers. They’re a light, large fabric piece that is worn for warmth and style. It isn’t as wide as a shawl and is made in a way that it covers you around the neck. Usually, individuals wear scarves to give their outfits a modern or relaxed look. 

    Scarves are much more flexible than shawls- there are infinity scarves, headscarves, and crocheted scarves to match any look. You can also get silk scarves or cotton scarves. 

    Can I wash Shawl in detergent powder?

    No, you cannot use detergent powder to wash the shawl. Since the shawl is handwoven with fine mirror work and embroidery, it’s better than you dry clean it to preserve its authenticity and quality. 

    How do you preserve a shawl?

    Here are some other tips that will help you preserve your woolen shawl. 

    1. Extra Care 

    Apure woolen shawlis made of natural fibres and materials, making it very sensitive. You must handle them with care to ensure a longer life. Don’t wash your shawls at home with your hand, they’re too fine to bear any rubbing or wringing. Therefore, always dry clean them. 

    • Muslin Cloth 

    Muslin cloth acts like a protective case for sensitive shawls. You can wrap up your shawls in them and store them. Don’t store them in plastic covers since it might lead to lint or rounding of loose fibres. 

    • Don’t use Naphthalene Balls 

    Naphthalene will destroy your shawls. Indulge in professional restoration once in a couple of years and your shawls will remain intact. 

    • Shawls Hate Moisture

    A handmade woolen shawlruns from moisture. Therefore, keep them away during the monsoons. Iron the shawls with a protective layer of fabric at low temperatures. You can use silica gel packs to store them in containers or closets. 


    • Clean Smartly 

    Dust is a huge problem for woolen shawls. Therefore, brush thewoolen shawl for winterand after it lengthwise every year. However, you don’t need to wash your shawls every year. But if you do, wash them at the end of the season! Don’t wash them in the start and end up dirtying them throughout the winter before packing them away. 


    • Scrutinise the Storage Space 

    Before you pack your woolen shawl, clean the dust out of the storage space. Wipe it with a wet cloth and dry it. You can vacuum the cupboards and closets if you’re extra cautious (it’s a good thing!) and pack your shawls. 


    • Mothballs or Dried Neem 

    You don’t want to find dirty moth dead bodies the next year you open your shawls. So, scatter mothballs around the fabric in the storage space. Ensure that it doesn’t touch your shawl. To be on the safer side, wrap the mothballs in a muslin cloth before putting them in the cupboard. 

    If you don’t wish to use mothballs, use the natural remedy instead. Dried mint or neem leaves are a great way to prevent moths. Place them in a container and leave them at the bottom of your closet. You can also fill sachets with dried lavender and store them. For everyone who can’t get their hands on anything mentioned, just put some pure lavender or neem oil on a cotton ball! It will work wonders. 

    • Routine Checks 

    Once you’re done with taking all these measures, don’t forget your woolens. You bought theseshawls onlinewith your hard earned money and they deserve routine checks to avoid any insects, fungus, or moths. 

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