Pattu Weaving of Rajasthan

Pattu weaving is a traditional practice done in different districts of Rajasthan. The wool is woven into narrow stripes, or patti, to form broad shawls referred to as pattu which are worn by all communities in this region. Young men wear highly decorated pattu, while women wear pattu in chequered design. The motifs are created using extra weft technique by inserting it after every two picks which gives an impression of finely embroidered fabric. The color of extra weft is chosen in contrast to the base, while the base is kept plane or is decorated with twill weaves.  With the help of design interventions, cotton has been introduced into this technique.

The pattu acts as an important element in local rituals. The Meghwal community uses pattu as gifts for their in-laws while finalizing a marriage alliance. The pattu is also gifted to their immediate relatives during marriage ceremony. Close bonds between two men are acknowledged as ‘brothers’ by the exchange of pattu.

Bardi is a traditional term used for chequered wrap and pattu kashida for pattu adorned with brocading in warp. Apart from these there are various other articles made by pattu weaving such as pidha /lower wooden seats, mocha /strung wooden cot, gondha /floor spread, tang /camel belt, bed covers, cushion covers, table runners, dupatta /stole, kurta /tunic, salwar /loose pant like garment and bags. There articles are made on a pit treadle loom known as bunai ki khaddi with the help of a naal /shuttle. Other tools used are charkha /spinning wheel, hatta /beater, kangi /reed and a yarn winder.