Mashru Fabric

Apr 27, 2022

By Birds of Fabriclore

What is Mashru?

Mashru Fabric is a handwoven textile made with combining cotton and silk.
The term ‘Mashru’ means ‘Permitted’ in Arabic and ‘Mixed’ in Sanskrit.
It has characteristics like fine satin texture, vibrant contrasting stripes and Ikat weave.
Mashru fabric is mainly manufacturerd in Mandvi and Patan areas of Gujarat.

The weave of the Mashru fabric is said to be originated from West Asia during 19th Century.
It is an old tradition within India and is known as a famous textile for Gulf nations and Ottoman empire.
The production of Silk got banned as it was made by killing silkworms which led to the origin of Mashru Silk.
As it is made from the silk exterior and the interior fabric which keeps in contact with skin is made from cotton.
Slowly Mashru became famous in Persia and many Mediterranean nations as they give freedom to wear clothes made from silk.
With time it became part of many peoples lifestyle including Kutch Nomads.

Texture	Smooth like silk
Sheer	Opaque
Fall	Gives a great amount of draping
Apperance	Lustrous

Currently Mashru fabric is made in machine looms rather than handlooms, as it has turned into an expensive business.
Craftsman are moving towards a budget-friendly process for designing mashru fabric.
Instead of pure silk they are sing rayon and other synthetic fibers which will result in low-cost fabric.
Combined with stripes and Ikat, Mashru is made with solid color palette.
The skilled artisans are switching their pattern by blending Bandhani with Ikat.

Mashru silk is comparatively much easier to maintain than pure silk.
However, prefer to wash it in cold water with slow rinse cycle.
Do not dry the fabric under direct sunlight as it will take away the glossiness of the fabric.