Wild-Dove Pattu-Bel Shawl from Kullu with Kinnauri Woven Border and Zigzag Weave

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Kullu shawls are renowned across the world for their simple yet elegant designs. These shawls exhibit the artistic skills and creativity of the craftsmen of Kullu, a district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Made of fine woolen fabric, a kullu shawl is worn both by men and women. However, men’s shawls are called Loi or pattu and are mostly plain, bereft of any pattern or design. Kullu shawls feature geometrical patterns on both ends and beautiful floral designs may run all over. The base of a typical Kullu shawl is mostly black, brown, or gray in color and the designs and patterns are made with bright colors such as red, blue, pink, orange, green, etc. Each design may have up to eight colors. With the increasing demands of customers from different parts of the world, the craftsmen of Kullu have now started using even pastel colors for the base. This makes these shawls appear eye-catching and suitable for wearing on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. Kullu shawls are mostly made of three types of wool i.e. Merino wool, Local sheep wool, and Angora wool. Sometimes these different types of wool are combined to form more varieties. They are also crafted in Yak’s wool, Pashmina, and other handcrafted material.

The process of crafting a Kullu shawl is time-consuming and requires excellent skills. The tradition of making these shawls has been followed by the local people of Kullu for many decades and the skills are passed down from one generation to another. Let us look at the steps involved in this elaborate process.

1. Selection of Wool

A fine variety of wool is the most important raw material for producing Kullu shawls. The selection of wool for weaving depends on the type of designs or patterns and the texture required.

These handmade Kullu shawls have admirers from all over the world and their cost depends on the variety of wool used, the type of design fabricated, and other factors. The price usually ranges from Rs. 1000 to 10,000. Despite their expensive cost, people love to wear these shawls because the designs are elegant and the warmth of the wool is comforting.