Silk-Velvet Drawloom Weaving of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Velvet is woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart to create the pile effect. This complicated process meant that velvet is expensive to make. Velvet can be made from either synthetic or natural fibres or a mix of these, the most expensive of which is silk. Much of the velvet available now is not made on handloom but made on machine.. Silk velvet making is rare and with its shiny sumptuous look and feel it is a luxury product when made on the handloom.