WHAT ARE CHETTINAD SAREES?

When we talk of Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram sarees are the first thing that comes to our mind. But that’s not all. Today, we are going to talk about the Chettinad sarees also known as ‘Kandanghi’ sarees.


“The traditional wear for the new generation”
Hello all,
I’m sure you’ve noticed the checks pattern in the sarees worn by the people in the South. Well yes, they are the Chettinad sarees.
Let’s start with the history and origin of the craft.       
Chettinad or Chettinadu in Tamil Nadu, India has contributed to the Indian cultural scene through its famed Chettinad style of cooking and the unique Chettinad sarees.
The traditionally Chettinad saree is woven in Karaikudi and Chettinadu areas which are 57 km from Sivagangai District Headquarters. The major groups involved in weaving Chettinad Cotton Sarees are Devanga and Chettiyars who are the skilled weavers from olden days.
The distinguishing features of the Chettinad sarees are its seemingly heavy look and the striking colours that are achieved by a combination of stripes, checks and colour contrasts. 

The weaving process of a Chettinad saree

Chettinad Cotton sarees are normally woven with 60s Cotton warp and 60s Cotton weft. The extra warp designs are woven with the use of Dobby.
Chettinad sarees are woven with Pit looms / Raised pit looms with fly shuttle weaving technique. The traditional type of spreading the warp behind the loom
The size of the borders is comparatively broader than the ordinary sarees. The pallu of the sarees was woven with weft stripe. 
Also, to make the saree smoother and finer, the thread count was increased. The Kandangi weavers now use synthetic fabrics and machines to survive the high demand and latest fashion.

Colours of a Chettinad saree

The Chettinad Sarees are generally woven in the traditional colours like yellow, green, red & its derivatives blue, maroon along with white and black to add richness to the sarees.
The most unique structures of the saree are its prominent colours which are brought out by the combination of stripes, colour contrasts and checks.
Recently, Chettinad saree won the ‘India Handloom’ tag for its unique designs and identity
To jazz up your Chettinad saree, you can also pair it with an intricate kalamkari blouse and also variate the style of draping the saree. You can also pair delicate oxidised jewellery or terracotta jewellery along with your saree.

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That’s all folks!
To know more about crafts from Tamil Nadu, read our article on Kanchipuram Sarees.
Stay tuned for more.
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

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