The traditional Sambalpuri Saree in its cotton and silk versions
is a captivating fabric from the tribal belt of Odisha. Sambalpur in the state
of Odisha, India, is famous for its Sambalpuri variety of pure cotton sarees and pure silk sarees, using Ikkat patterns or the tie-dye
method in their making. Cotton and mercerized cotton are used in making
sambalpuri cotton saris.
The need for a fabric
similar to silk, which has lustre, strength, smoothness and soft feel, plus its
elasticity and desirable quality to acquire most colours and shades is provided
by mercerized cotton, a more affordable and appealing substitute. Cotton has
the best absorption capacity among fabrics and is a ‘breathing’ fabric which
allows free air movement. This allows the body to cool and keeps it comfortable
in hot and sultry weather conditions. Mercerization is a treatment for
cellulosic materials like cotton fabric and thread that gives the fabric or
yarns a lustrous appearance, strengthens them and yet maintains the above
mentioned quality of pure cotton.
The Ikkat style of weaving is employed in the hand-woven
Sambalpuri saree using geometrical patterns. Ikkat is a technique which
involves applying bindings, which resist dye penetration to the threads in
pre-determined patterns, and then dyeing the threads. These dyed threads are
then woven to produce the desired pattern.
Within the ikkat style are
variants of single-ikkat and double-ikkat. Alternately the tie-die method of
weaving and then dyeing, known as ‘bandhakala’ is also used. Here the threads
are first woven and the resist bindings then applied to the fabric before
dyeing it. This traditional art uses vegetable dyes to a large extent, with a
leaning toward artificial colours in present day creations. Black, yellow,
orange, maroon, are the preferred hues. Sambalpuri
pure cotton sarees find
preference for daily-wear as well as for casual occasions and generally
housewives and college-goers choose to wear them.
The new-look Sambalpuri
Cotton Sarees online from Unnati are a
healthy blend of traditional with trending, elevating eye-catching appeal to
bewitching heights. Unnati experiments with traditional styles in a fusion with
modern designs and patterns. There is Sambalpuri saree, that has an appealing
look for depictions of nature, animals and birds. It is preferred for
traditional functions and festive occasions. There are some sarees that employ
the ikat style of tie-dye, where the threads are dyed with contrasting colours
before they are woven with a special ‘extra weft’ technique. Bright coloured panels
with extra motifs on a highly contrasting background make this tribal art
fabric uniquely stand out.
Motif patterns commonly adorning the fabric are bitter gourd,
the atasi flower, the kanti-phul or small flower, peacocks and birds, Konark
temple, conches. In one saree the initial or large motif known as Buttah, such
a bird sitting on a tree, is woven on the body. This accentuates the fabric
look. The smaller motifs decorate the borders and pallu, and have pomegranate
seeds, Saara seeds and temple spires as popular subjects.
Unnati
silks, largest ethnic online Indian shop offers exquisite designer Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees with matching blouse for sale. The
Online shopping store has the widest range of ethnic Indian Sarees
online and Salwar Kameez online. At
Unnati Silks, you can buy online unique, fancy, exclusive collection of
Traditional, Wedding, bridal attire, stylish, party, trendy fashion, formal,
corporate, office, daily casual saris in silk, cotton, sico, art silk
georgette, chiffon, dupion, tussar, organza, crepe, gicha, jute and other
fabric varieties at attractive prices. You can purchase online at Unnati silks
and the products will be dispatched within 24 working hours of placing the
order.
