‘Karomi Jamdanis’ bring a modern twist to the craft. Each piece, so essentially artistic, is a randomized interplay of motifs arranged in unconventional layouts. Through the use of large or no repeats our designs are rendered as one of a kind, while simultaneously ensuring our customers an authentic Jamdani that cannot be replicated on mechanised jacquard looms in the village.

The dyed thread is strengthened and softened by soaking overnight in a solution of rice water starch, allowing the women to wind it more easily onto bobbins. It is tedious work done early in the morning, usually between 4 and 9am, before the increasing heat dries the thread, making it more difficult to handle. Reeling into spools is done by hand on the “charkhas” or spinning wheels.

Fabric is woven using the fly shuttle in traditional pit looms. Weaving Jamdani is a matter of skill and patience and weaving a Karomi Jamdani requires resolution too. Designs are both random and complex, and use really fine yarns in a variety of colours. Fine yarns have a tendency to break if too much strength is applied or entangle if the tension is not right.

Carved in wood, dipped in colour, and imprinted on cloth… at Karomi, the traditional craft of hand block printing is reinvented with artistic designs for the modern woman. The ‘print over print’ layering technique creates a fascinating impression of depth on the light and delicate fabric. A wide array of colours and surface textures make the prints strikingly beautiful.