Deciphering the Jacquard Fabrics Code

While shopping online for sarees, suits and other apparel, you must have come across terms such as Banarasi jacquard, polyester jacquard, cotton jacquard, silk jacquard, etc. and have wondered what exactly jacquard has to do with all these fabrics. Like brocade and zari, jacquard has an intriguing history to it that also includes the invention of computers.

Historic Change in the Process of Weaving Patterns

Jacquard fabric is more about the weaving process than the yarn (fiber) which is used to create the fabric. Known as jacquard weaving, this weaving process makes use of a special type of loom to create rich and intricate patterned fabrics that substantially reduces the labour as well as time to create sophisticated designs. Jacquard loom creates fabric patterns by storing these patterns in a series of punched cards where every card represents a line of the desired pattern. As the warps move through the holes in these punched cards different patterns are formed to create the end fabric.

This weaving process and the loom used for it were named after their inventor, Joseph Marie Jacquard, a French weaver and merchant. His idea of using punching cards to store information (patterns) was used by Charles Babbage to invent the world's first mechanical computer.

Types of Jacquard Fabrics

Since the word jacquard refers to the weaving process and not to the fiber (such as silk, cotton, etc.) that is used to make the fabric, there are numerous fiber types that could be used to create riveting patterns on the fabric. Some of the more popular fibers used in making jacquard fabrics are briefly discussed below.

Silk Jacquard

Since India is the largest consumer of silk in the world, it's no wonder that the most popular sarees here such as Banarasi saree, Kanchipuram saree, etc. as well as other apparel are weaved from silk. When this glittering fiber is coupled with the jacquard weaving process, some of the most intricate and captivating patterns are created. Silk jacquard is tailor-made for evening events as it provides a delicate yet radiant look to the attire.

Polyester Jacquard

It is one of the most sought-after jacquard fabric which is made of synthetic fiber polyester. It is quite durable and exhibits high moisture absorbent properties which makes it an ideal wear for summers. It is extremely soft and is preferred as a daily wear also. To create exotic designs and lend versatility, it is often mixed with other fibers as well.

Cotton Jacquard

Cotton due to its tenacity and lightness, is often used as an alternative to silk. Cotton jacquard combines the discernible softness and comfort of cotton with mesmerizing patterns that lend cotton jacquard sarees and suits more stylish and classy look.

Rayon Jacquard

Rayon jacquard has a smooth, soft, and silk-like texture and is used as a more cost-effective alternative to silk and cotton variants. It is seen as the best alternative to silk because it is easy to drape and provides the same elegance especially with sarees and flowing gowns.

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