World’s original handy craft, the Patola saree, was developed much before invention of machines…and to develop this craft the wisdom and strength the craftsmen were involved. This is why Patan’s Patola is a precious heritage worth preserving.

Patola sarees ,colour and design patterns are evolved on each thread. Different colour and pattern are matched exactly on horizontal and vertical threads in weaving. This is the secret of Patola.

A design evolved through colouring cross threads is known as “Double Ikat”. “Double Ikat” Patola sarees has found its place on the top in the world chart of fabrics because a Patola saree measures 5.5 metres long and 4.0 feet wide. Apart from Patan in Gujarat in India, Bali islands and Japan are other two places where Patola “double ikat” weave is done, but it is not made on such a huge size. That is why, people from all over the world visit Patan and appreciates this unique craft.

The design patterns are developed manually on both sides of the hand loom cloth. No machine can develop this kind of pattern and weave. This is the reason why Textile industry cannot take up this work. Studentsfrom textile industry of Japan and U.S.A. visit Patan in December every year to find out whether this craft can be taken up on machines. They have not been successful so far.

For weaving one saree, 25 days are consumed. Total time required for completing making one saree is about 3-4 months with help of 3 craftsmen.

For preparing Patola saree, skilled labour, precision, calculation and patience are of utmost importance. A small error can ruin the complete colour code and design of the saree. Because of hard labour and unique skill involved in preparing patola, many craftmen have shifted to other business and today only 2-3 families are engaged in this craft.