Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Indian handicrafts, handloom textiles and handmade artisan products.
How can I tell if a handloom saree is genuinely handwoven and not powerloom?
Handwoven fabric usually shows small irregularities in the weave, slightly uneven selvedges and a texture that varies across the cloth, because a human hand sets each pick. Powerloom cloth tends to be perfectly uniform and often cheaper to produce in bulk. Many genuine handloom products also carry the Handloom Mark, a government label that certifies the cloth was woven on a handloom.
What is the difference between terracotta, blue pottery and Dhokra craft?
Terracotta is unglazed fired clay, giving the familiar earthy red pots and figurines made across rural India. Blue pottery, associated with Jaipur, uses a quartz-based body with cobalt-blue and turquoise glazes rather than ordinary clay. Dhokra is a metal craft, not pottery at all, made by casting brass or bronze using the lost-wax method to create rustic tribal figures.
Why are handmade Indian crafts often more expensive than machine-made versions?
A handmade piece carries the hours of skilled labour an artisan puts into it, from preparing raw materials to finishing each item by hand. Natural dyes, hand-spun yarn and traditional tools cost more and take longer than mass production. The price also reflects the fact that each item is close to one of a kind, so small variations are a sign of authenticity rather than a defect.
How should I care for handmade block-printed and hand-embroidered fabrics?
Wash them gently by hand in cold water with a mild detergent, and keep the first few washes separate since natural and hand-applied dyes can bleed a little. Avoid harsh wringing, strong bleach and long exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade colours. Dry in shade and iron on the reverse to protect the print or embroidery threads.
What are some well-known handloom and craft traditions from different parts of India?
Weaving traditions include Banarasi brocade from Varanasi, Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu, Pochampally ikat from Telangana and Pashmina from Kashmir. In crafts you will find Channapatna wooden toys from Karnataka, bamboo and cane work from the Northeast, and brass and bell-metal work from eastern India. Each tradition is tied closely to the region, its materials and the communities that have practised it for generations.