• Category: Accessories
• Weave: Ilkal handloom
• Craft: Kasuti Hand embroidery
• Material: Cotton + Viscose
• Dimensions: 40" meters X 40"

Description:

Ilkal is a town in north karnataka. It is an ancient weaving center where the handloom weaving began in the 8th century A.D. The unique feature of Ilkal saree is its shiny silk pallu in alternating red and silver colors called “Topi teni seragu”. These crop tops are made with the signature red and silver pallu of Ilkal sarees hand woven in Ilkal, Karnataka by a family of Weavers using traditional techniques. They take great pride in their workmanship and attention to detail.

Kasuti is a traditional form of folk embroidery practiced in the state of Karnataka, India. The history of Kasuti dates back to the Chalukya period. The name is derived from the words Kai (meaning hand) and Suti (meaning cotton). This work is laborious and involves counting each thread on the cloth which results in intricate patterns like gopura, chariot, palanquin, lamps and conch shells. Traditionally, the patterns are stitched without using knots to ensure that both sides of the cloth look alike. Different varieties of stitches are employed to obtain the desired pattern; e.g.  Ganti, Murgi, Neyge and Menthe. Ganti is a double running stitch used for marking vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, Murgi is a zig-zag stitch, Neyge is a running stitch and Menthe is a cross stitch resembling fenugreek seeds. Kasuti Hand embroidery work done by IDF Kai Krafts, an NGO supporting women artisans and crafts of Northern Karnataka located in Dharwad, India.