KETYA PEACE SILK
Ketya Peace Silk Is A Fabric Native To The Indian State Of West Bengal. It Has A Unique And Coarse Tactile Textue Due To Varieties Of Yarns Like Matka, Khadi, Tussar Being Woven Into The Raw Coarse Fabric. This Produces A Wonderfully Rich Texture.
KETYA SILK WEAVING PROCESS
INTRODUCTION
The main component of Ketya is the waste/leftover broken fibres from the hatched cocoons of Tussar silkmoth (Antheraea millita), which is handspun into yarn to make the fabric. A variety of other yarns like Matka, Cotton, Khadi, Tussar may be woven into the raw coarse fabric either in the warp or weft. As a result, it produces a wonderfully rich texture which is very unique. Ketya Silk is an Ahimsa Silk (or peace silk) as it is made of leftover fibres from cocoons that the moths were allowed to hatch from.
Anuprerna is currently working with about 10 textile weavers from Ketya Silk Weavers' Cluster located in the Birbhum district.
ORIGIN OF KETYA AHIMSA SILK
Ketya is an Ahimsa Silk fabric that originated from West Bengal, India. It is basically rough handloom fabric made by weaving yarns spun out of broken waste or leftover fibres from hatched Tussar silkmoth cocoons along with yarn like Tussar, Matka Ahimsa Silk or Khadi, as warp and weft or vice-versa in a handloom. Spun by hand, it is indigenous to a town called Bishnupur, and the district of Murshidabad. Ketya Silk material is indigeneous to bengal textiles & is very rare outside of Bengal.
PROCESS OF MAKING KETYA SILK
STEP 1: METAMORPHOSIS
The Tussar silkworm cocoons are cultivated by farmers who wait for the metamorphosis to occur. Once fully developed, the mature moth hatches out of the cocoon leaving behind the Silk fibers.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE FIBERS
The broken fibers are gathered, unwound, and then sent for the spinning process. By manually spinning together multiple fragments of these broken fibers, a yarn is created that possesses an irregular texture.
STEP 3: SETTING UP THE LOOM
The Ahimsa silk yarn is made ready for the loom, typically accompanied by other types of yarn such as cotton, khadi, tussar silk, or matka silk, which can be used in either the warping or wefting process.
STEP 4: WEAVING
Our skilled artisans set up the prepared yarns, which may consist of Ketya yarn or a combination of Ketya yarn and another type, in the warp and weft of a handloom. The Ketya silk is then meticulously hand woven by our craftsmen on the loom.
CHARACTERISTICS OF KETYA AHIMSA SILK FABRIC
SUMMARY
Ketya, like Matka silk, is also cruelty free and a sustainable silk as it's made from short broken fibres of hatched cocoons. And therefore, similar to the Matka silk, it too is essentially upcycled silk.
While the main component is the coarse silk yarns, it may also have other varieties of yarn woven along with either in the warp or weft accordingly. Due to this, Ketya fabric displays desirable characteristics of its constituents. For example, it has a natural sheen and luster like Tussar, whereas, like cotton, Ketya possesses strength and durability. As a low-density material, it makes for light and comfortable clothing. Besides all this, it also results in Ketya's economic price.
related questions
How is ketya peace silk different from conventional silk?
arrow_drop_downKetya Peace Silk differs from conventional silk in its cruelty-free production method. Unlike conventional silk, which involves killing silkworms during the extraction process, Ketya Peace Silk allows the silkworms to complete their metamorphosis and emerge as moths, resulting in a more ethical and sustainable approach to silk production.
How is Ketya Peace Silk produced, and what makes it eco-friendly?
arrow_drop_downKetya Peace Silk is produced through a cruelty-free process where silkworms are allowed to complete their life cycle. After the moths emerge, their discarded cocoons are collected and spun into silk. This method reduces harm to the silkworms and promotes eco-friendliness by preserving biodiversity and reducing waste.
What are textile applications of Ketya Peace Silk?
arrow_drop_downKetya Peace Silk can be used in various textile applications, including clothing (such as shirts, dresses, and scarves), accessories (like ties and handkerchiefs), and home furnishings (such as bedding, curtains, and upholstery). Its soft texture and luxurious sheen make it suitable for a wide range of high-quality products.
Are there any certifications or standards that verify the sustainability of Ketya Peace Silk?
arrow_drop_downKetya Peace Silk may be certified by organizations such as Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), verifying its sustainable and ethical production practices. These certifications ensure transparency, fair labor practices, and adherence to environmental standards throughout the supply chain.
More Stories
tussar silk
mulberry silk
matka peace silk
naturally dyed block printing
digital printing
ikat - a distinctive style
