MASHRU FABRIC

The Mashru fabric is a vibrant, handwoven mix of Silk and Cotton textiles. Mashru has a characteristic fine satin finish, bright contrasting stripes in vibrant colors and striped Ikat weave. The fabric is mainly manufactured in Patan and Mandvi in Gujarat, India. Mashru is  an important part of the bridal trousseau in a variety of Hindu communities like Sarees and Lehengas.

The expert weavers have excelled in this exquisite craft by learning from their ancestors. Mashru fabric is made of silk and cotton where silk is used as the vertical yarn and Cotton makes the horizontal yarn. Each Silk weave goes under the Cotton yarn once and about five or eight times above the Cotton yarn. After complete weaving of the fabric, it is washed with cold water and beaten with wooden hammers for about one minute while it is still moist. Then a paste of wheat flour called glazing is applied on the folds of the fabric. The fabric is later beaten with wooden hammers and compressed with hard press. Finally, color is added to the fabric using natural vegetable dyes.

This intriguing weave technique results in a shiny surface that resembles Silk fabric from the outside, with the comfortable of Cotton in the inner side of the clothing. The interweaving of Cotton and Silk makes the Mashru fabric more durable. The Mashru fabric has a very practical utility as the Silk on the outer surface gives a beautiful, shiny appearance, the cotton yarns underneath make it perfect for the hot and humid climate. Mashru is traditionally used in the production of garments but it is also used in making wide range of home furnishings like cushions and quilts. 

This fabric is relatively easier to maintain than pure Silk. Although some care should be taken like washing it in cold water and a slow rinse cycle. Also, drying it away from direct sunlight helps in keeping the glossiness of the fabric intact for a longer time.