This document provides an overview of khadi, India's signature hand-woven fabric. It distinguishes khadi from handloom fabrics, noting that khadi is handspun with yarn while handloom can use machine-spun yarn. The document details the manufacturing process of khadi from farming cotton to weaving. While khadi is eco-friendly and provides employment, it also has drawbacks like being high maintenance and prone to shrinkage. However, innovations like poly khadi and e-charkhas are helping address issues and expanding product ranges.

1. खादी-हैंडलूम
India’s Signature fabric
By
Manisha Singh
A.D. VI

2. Handloom vs Khadi
Handloom: Fabrics that are hand woven in
basic manual looms
with no automation.
Khadi: Hand woven with handspun yarns
*Texture is the difference
(Small weaving errors in Khadi)
*Hand spun yarn|Machine spun yarn
*Handloom is finer than khadi

3. Overview
• Three types:
Cotton | Wool | Silk
• Leading producers: India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh

4. Facts
• Swadeshi – Swaraj
• Symbol of self-reliance and independence
• Khadi Day: September 19
• Revived by Mahatma Gandhi (1920s)
• Global demand
• Poor man’s fabric to Haute Couture
• Indian Flag Code
• Patent War
• 3.24 times energy efficient than mill cloth
• Provides employment

6. Fabric Profile
Name: Khadi
Type: Cotton
Place: Bhagalpur
Weave: Plain
Texture: Rugged
Color: Golden Brown
Cost: INR 120 per meter

7. Characteristics
• Rugged texture
• Comfortable feel
• Eco-friendly
• Versatile
• Suitable for all temperatures
• Durable
• Unique and unmatched

8. Manufacturing Process
Step 1: Farming
Cotton balls handpicked from the fields
Step 2: Cleaning
Separation of fibres from cotton seeds
Step 3: Cardin -Collecting silvers
Step 4: Spinning
Silvers are spun into yarns on a Charkha
Step 5: Reeling
Spun yarns wounded into reels
Step 6: Weaving
Reels hand-woven into fabric
Step 7: Dyeing
Step 8: Finish

9. The Flipside
• High maintenance
• Cannot withstand harsh detergents,
machine washes and harsh ironing
• Gaps in the thread
• Lacks fineness
• Shrinkage

10. Innovations in Khadi
• Poly Khadi | Khadi Denim
• e-charkha
• Value addition: Hand painting, Printing,
Surface ornamentation techniques
• New product range: Bags, Home
furnishings,etc.
• Brands like Anokhi and Fab India

11. Thank
you