The unique feature of handloom fabric is the involvement of hand processes at every stage in production. The soft feel of handloom fabric, which every loyal user of handlooms will swear by, is due to handling of the yarn by artisans, which causes less stress on the yarn. The other dimension of the hand process however is the variation and irregularities in the fabric, which are not necessarily “defects” but are integral to and characteristic of handloom.
Cotton is a magical fabric that gets softer and more absorbent with every wash. Please try and follow care instructions to extend the life of the fabric.
We recommend using only soft and mild laundry soap for cotton handlooms. You could buy one from us.
Fabric Properties
DAMA fabrics are hand woven by weavers across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana using pure cotton fibres. Slight variations in colours, textures and finish are inevitable in hand woven textiles. Traditional methods of hand spinning, sizing, dyeing, weaving and printing are used to bring to you this elegant fabrics. More about the processes…
Hand woven cotton is known for its breathability as compared to mill made (woven) cotton. This implies it allows more air penetration making it cooler, softer and more absorbent. It keeps you cooler in summers and warm in winters. Yarn for our fabrics is dyed using Natural Dyes and Azo free Chemical Dyes with the aim to bring you the best colour attributes possible.
All varieties of fabrics and clothing available on the web shop are 100% pure cotton and must be cared for as instructed for the long life of the fabric.
Laundering
Natural Dye:
Dyes extracted from natural materials – plants, flowers, rinds of fruit and roots (Pomegranate, Indigo, Madder, Catechu, Onion peels, Marigold flower etc.) are referred to as natural dyes. More about Natural Dyeing…
DAMA has been working with natural dyes for the past 2.5 decades and is one of the pioneers in natural dyeing technology. We have trained our weavers and partner co-operatives extensively in using naturally available dye material to colour yarn. Today over 20 percent of our production is done using natural dyed yarn.
Note: You must know that all natural dyed fabrics are prone to bleeding in the first 2-3 washes. You need not panic as it is the excess dye getting washed out.
Indigo dye is inherently not light fast and hence must be dried and stored away from light. If not done so the fabric will fade in parts exposed to the sun. You will also notice fading along the folding lines of the garments.
Natural dyed fabrics need special care owing to the properties of the dyes.
Azo-free Chemical Dye:
DAMA and its partner co-operatives offer chemical-dyed hand woven products that are safe for the user, producer and the environment. For the last 15 years Dastkar Andhra has trained handloom co-operatives in using Azo free Reactive Dyes and Vat dyes.
- Use soft laundry soap (501 soap bar or mild detergents).
- Do not use bleach.
- Do not scrub.
- Hand wash separately in cold water.
- Dark colours may bleed or rub on to other fabrics when in wet condition, hence should be washed separately.
- Dry in shade.
- Avoid using the dryer while washing in a machine.
- Iron at medium temperature.
Please abide by the following care instructions for the longevity of your handlooms.
Shrinkage
Readymade garments:
You need not worry about shrinkage of our ready made garments as the fabrics are pre-shrunk prior to stitching.
Yardage, Dupattas, Stoles and Sarees:
You can expect shrinkage of 7% to 10% per meter in hand woven fabrics (yardage), dupattas, stoles and sarees. We request you to wash the fabric before you carry out any sewing.
