SPECIFICATIONS OF PAITHANI SAREES

 Paithani uses the ancient techniques of tapestry where multiple threads of different colours along with gold and silver threads are woven together to form a graceful and fascinating piece of silk. Delicate designs on pallu and border is a specialty of Paithani Sarees. Motifs on pallu are generally peacock, lotus, mango and other designs taken form Ajanta Caves. Traditional creative artistry and pain staking workmanship combine to form this unique cloth. Paithani Sarees can take between 2 months to years to manufacture.

Mainly raw material used for paithani is Silk yarn, Zari and colours. Preferably Filiature silk is used as warp and sidlaghatta or charakha silk is used as weft. Another major raw used in the production of Paithani Silk Saree is ‘Zari’ In the olden days the zari was drawn from pure gold, but today silver is replaced for gold, thus making the Paithanis more affordable.

A typical Paithani is heavy weight, bright colors, butti with pallov and solid zari border. Each Paithani is woven to a standard size of 6¼ yard which also includes ¼ yard blouse piece. One Paithani consumes about 500-575 gms. of silk and 200-250 gms of zari. A finished Paithani depending upon its type may weigh from 600-750 gms. The width of border ranges from 7 to 9 inch.