A patola silk saree original is a treasure collection that can be especially found with Indian women all over the world. Originated some 900 years ago, every single patola silk saree is a classic discovery in itself and this 12th-century weave finds relevance even today! Let’s look into different designs and patterns of this timeless and extraordinary drape… 

While fashion trends may come and go, this timeless and age-old patola silk sarees have never gone out of fashion, even today. From the legends surrounding its origin to the time-consuming process that makes it so invaluable, the intricacies involved in creating the patola weave, makes it highly exclusive, priceless and one of the finest variety’s handloom silk saree from Patan district of Gujarat. In fact, the resist-dyeing process using the warp and weft techniques makes the Gujarati Patola sarees priceless heirlooms. Patola saree, basically a double ikat woven saree made of silk, once belonged to royal and aristocratic families only.

Although patola print is considered to have originated from Gujarat, this 900 year old handwoven fabric finds its earliest mentions in the South Indian religious text – Narasimha Purana. By the 11th century Patola sarees quickly became a sign of social status among women, especially as part of their wedding trousseau. Patolas features highly delicate patterns, flaming colors combined with folk motifs and characteristic features like geometric patterns or three-dimensional images such as animals or plants, makes these handwoven wonders well known all over the world for their beauty and charm!

Different designs of Patola

Patolas are generally represented by abstract designs and geometric patterns. Elephants, human figures, kalash, flowers, shikhar, paan and parrots as well as designs inspired by the temple architecture. The most sought-after designs each have their unique names like nari kunjar bhat (women and elephant patterns), paan bhat (peepul leaf motif) navratna bhat (square-shaped pattern), voharagaji (inspired by the Vohra community), fulvali bhatt (floral) and rattanchowk bhat (geometric). Natural dyes like indigo, turmeric, natural lakh, katha, madder roots, cochineal, pomegranate skin, henna and marigold lend extraordinary shades that these sarees boast.  Tremendous amount of skill and perseverance go into making Patola sarees. Be it banarasi patola, surti patola or the infamous Patan patola, these sarees may vary in their style and look depending on various weaving processes.

Banarasi Patola Saree

Intricate meenakari cutwork technique is used to weave banarasi patola saree. As compared to normal tie-and-dye patola sarees from Gujarat, banarasi patola sarees will have lustrous fabric and geometrical patterns in ikat design. This handwoven drape is a multi-layered garment that comes with an exciting design and vibrant colors. The intricately designed fabric has geometrical patterns while being soft to touch at the same time.

Patan Patola Saree

Patan Patola uses a resist dye technique which is done both vertically and horizontally (double ikat) to create beautiful and colourful patterns. The strings are dyed according to a pattern, and the dye marks align when woven, forming the pattern on the cloth. These are one of the finest double ikat weave sarees. The Patola sarees are rich handloom silk sarees from Gujarat, and the name translates to ‘queen of silks’. These sarees are known for their distinctive vibrant colours and are filled with motifs depicting animals and flowers. The geometric motifs are so intricately and carefully woven into this textile that the saree can be worn both ways.

Rajkot Patola Saree

These sarees are unique in design, weave, and colour-dyeing. It is said that Rajkot Patola sarees are traditional and most authentic luxurious pure silk sarees that a woman may dream of. Rajkot Patola sarees are woven using a vertical resist-dyeing technique, also called single ikat. These sarees are handwoven using pure mulberry silk. They are known for their patola weave in contrasted colors and zari borders.

Surati Patola Saree

A Surat Patola saree might reflect patterns like parading elephants, honeycomb, batik and ikat. The sarees are much focussed on traditional designs and cultural vibes. Surati patola sarees come in fabulous colour combinations and authentic borders.  

Hyderabadi Patola Saree

Hyderabadi Patola sarees are made of pure handloom silk fabric. Traditional prints and fancy zari border are what defines Hyderabadi Patola saree collection. They are made using pure silk from the best quality silkworms. The dyeing process uses natural dyes, which are also costly. Hyderabadi patola sarees are originated from Hyderabad and are highly prized and sought after by saree lovers all over the world.

How can you not want to own one of these elegant sarees and be a proper patola?