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Matka silk

A silk cloth with a rough, nubby, slightly uneven surface, woven from yarn made from short silk fibres left over from reeling.

A swatch drawn for this page, not a picture of Matka silk.

Also: matka, matka cloth

Matka silk is woven from yarns spun from silk waste, such as the short fibres left after reeling, and from noil. These yarns are uneven, with small lumps and thin places, so the cloth has a rough, slubby look, a dry feel and a soft matte glow. It looks a little like cotton or dupion and is lighter and cooler than smooth silk. Matka cloth is made in several handloom centres and in mills, and is used for sarees, kurtas and furnishing. It is generally cheaper than reeled silk, and its irregularity is part of its look.

See also

Find sarees that mention Matka silk

The weekly drape

Every Monday: seven sarees you may not know, what is being worn this week, and one drape explained step by step.