Article: Chanderi: The drape of queens

Chanderi: The drape of queens
Chanderi is a light and sheer handloom from Madhya Pradesh, woven in the heritage town that shares its name. A silk warp, with ultra-fine
cotton or silk in the weft gives it a soft glow and that signature, see-through grace. Clean zari borders and tiny woven butis keep the
look refined and elegant.
A lineage of quiet royalty
Shaped by royal and Mughal taste, Chanderi has always stood for restraint and finesse. As the craft evolved from superfine cotton to
silk‑cotton blends and pure silk, it kept what matters most—luminosity, breathability, and a poised fall.
Crafted by hand
The making process begins with careful yarn selection and dyeing, followed by exact warping so the fabric stays clear and even.
On pit or frame looms, the silk warp brings strength and sheen. Dobby or small jacquard attachments create the borders, while extra weft
threads weave the butis and pallu. Patterns are first mapped on graph paper, then translated onto the loom for precision.
The Chanderi signature
Expect slim kaddi or temple borders and motifs like asharfi (coin), peacock, florals, and delicate leaves—sometimes scattered as butis,
sometimes as fine all-over jaals. The palette moves from soft pastels to deep jewel tones, always with a gentle, dignified shimmer that feels
at home from day to dusk. Perfect for warm days and festive nights.



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