ACTIVITIES   »  Khadi
What is Khadi
Khadi or Khaddar is handmade, handspun and hand-woven cotton fabric made by thousands of skilled artisans living in rural areas. Khadi is cool, comfortable and truly environment friendly fabric suitable for all types of season. The fabric got its importance from Mahatma Gandhi when he revived the 5000 year old process of hand wovening as part of his movement of freedom fight in 1920's. Khadi over the decades has moved from a freedom fighter's identity fabric to a fashion garment. Many fashion designers believe that Khadi is India's answer to Egyptian cotton and linen. It falls well and becomes second skin after two washes. Khadi is available in many weaves and designs and stands apart from mill made unnatural fabrics.
How it is Made
First, cotton balls are hand picked and separation of fibers from cotton seeds is done by hand using a sharp comb like object. Then by carding process the final traces of trash from fibers is removed completely and the carded material is then collected as 'Slivers'. These slivers are then spun into yarn on a spinning wheel where they are thinned out and twisted at the same time to strengthen it. The spun yarns are then wounded into reels of thousand meters each and then manufactured and hand woven into fabric. Khadi is mainly woven in cotton, but it can also be woven in silk & wool or can be blended with mix of any fibers to give it more versatile look.
Characteristics
·        Cool in summers and warm in winters.
·        Very light and airy.
·        Soft feel texture and versatile fabric.
 
Maintainence
·        Dry clean your Khadi garments or wash in cold water with mild soap.
·        Starch your Khadi garments to remove crumple from it.
·        Do not wring excess water out. Dry fabric in shade as sun may cause color fabric to fade.
·        Wash dark colors separately and never use chemical bleach.
 
Did you Know?
·        It is the only fabric where the play of texture is so unique that no two fabrics will be absolutely identical, thus lending its exclusivity and inimitability in terms of feel and texture.
·        70% of the artisans involved in the process of Khadi production are women.
·        Khadi is an eco-fabric. The process involves no environmental pollution and is extremely eco friendly.
·        Khadi helps in supporting destitute, helpless rural women as they can work independently and earn their living.
·        It enables full development of locally available raw materials and human resources