Jacquard fabrics showcase India's cotton & silk resources

India, the world's largest producer of raw cotton fiber and second in silk, continues to leverage this resource to consolidate its centuries-old textile industry. In jacquard, this is the dominant fabric composition. Natural silk, including wood pulp-derived Liva and raw silk - or resham as it is called in the northern and eastern parts of India - are used, as are synthetic varieties.

Jacquard is widely used in the manufacture of saris, lehengas and upholstery fabric, according to industry analysts Textile InfoMedia. Other applications are curtains, drapes, décor textiles, pillows, duvet covers and formal wear such as evening gowns and men's suits. Hand or power looms - sometimes in combination - and rapier machines are used. The fabrics are available in various reed and pick counts, weights and widths. They feature floral, geometric or intricate designs. Most are dyeable.

India's textile industry remains a key revenue generator for the country. Textile and apparel exports accounted for 11 percent of mercantile shipments between 2019 and 2020, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation. Textile shipments abroad were valued at $2.94 billion as of May 2021. Further growth is forecast for this manufacturing sector on the back of domestic and overseas demand.

Cotton & Liva silk

In cotton and Liva silk blend, the model 01 jacquard fabric from Amin & Sons is woven using a power loom and a rapier machine. It has an earth base color and a golden floral motif, and can be used for apparel, furniture upholstery and drapes. This fabric, which is also dyeable, has reed and pick counts of 96 and 50 to 56. Weight is 60 to 65gsm and width 45in. Price is $3.50 per meter. MOQ is 500m and lead time is 60 days.

Cotton & artificial silk

Amin & Sons' 02 jacquard fabric is machine-woven from cotton and artificial silk yarns. It has reed and pick counts of 100 and 56, and weight of 65 to 70gsm. This 45in-wide fabric, with a light-cream base and golden geometric patterns, does not wrinkle and suits apparel, upholstery, drapery and fancy pouches. A meter is $3.75. The supplier requires an order of at least 500m for delivery within60 days.

Cotton warp & gitcha weft

For men's and women's tops, drapes and upholstery, this dyed jacquard fabric from M.A. Fashion, the model 01, is handloom woven using cotton warp and gitcha weft, and has a high tear resistance. Its reed and pick counts are 40 and 32, and weight is 150gsm and width 44in. A meter is $1.50. MOQ is 300m and lead time is 30 days. A mercerized cotton version is also available.

Cotton weft, art silk warp

The model 01 jacquard fabric from Silk Art Fabrics is a combination of 3D cotton weft and art silk warp. The reed and pick counts are 112 and 70 and the weight is 100gsm. This 44in-wide white fabric features a floral pattern and can be used for garments, drapes and upholstery. It is dyeable. Price is $3.80 per meter. MOQ is 500m. Orders are delivered within 45 days. A version using pure silk warp can also be made.

Pure resham silk warp, spun silk weft

This jacquard fabric from Silk Art Fabrics, model 02, has handloomed pure resham silk warp and machine-woven pure spun silk weft, is dyed in purple and features zari motifs made of cotton. It measures 44in in width and can be used for upholstery, drapes and garments. The reed and pick counts are 100 and 72, and weight is about 100gsm. A meter is priced at $10.50. MOQ is 100m and lead time is 60 days.

Cotton warp, silk weft

From S.R. Creation, the model 01 lightweight jacquard fabric is in natural off-white, with cotton warp and silk weft. It is woven using a power loom and is dyeable. The reed and pick counts are 100 and 90. Weight is about 100gsm and width 44in. Apparel, drapery and upholstery are the usual applications of this wrinkle-resistant fabric with large floral motifs. A meter is $3.50. MOQ is 300m. Orders are delivered within 30 days.

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