Cotton handlooms from Kannur grace interiors
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Exquisitely designed handloom products from Kannur, suitable for designer interiors, are finding takers not only abroad but also within the country.
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IN DEMAND: At a textile unit near Kannur.
Kannur is known for its quality handloom products made by master weavers in stylish designs that have survived fluctuations of trends in the market.
The traditional handloom industry here has come a long way from being known as producers of coarse varieties of dhotis and towels, to establish its reputation as makers of quality textile fabric, of both handloom and powerloom variety.
Rising demand
Weavers here still weave quality dhotis and bath towels for domestic consumers, but the handloom industry of Kannur currently exports a wide range of cotton home furnishing and made-up items.
The products being exported to the U.S. and European countries include table clothes, mats, napkins, pillow covers, cushion covers, bed spreads, and curtains. Rising emphasis on aesthetics and concept of elegance in the ambience of interiors has augmented domestic demand for a wide range of exquisite cotton home furnishing, furnishing fabric, and made-ups. Cotton furnishing and other products have started replacing those made of synthetic fabric in many home, hotel and office interiors in the region.
Exporting excellence
Both private handloom export houses and production units of weavers’ co-operative societies in Kannur have earned their reputation in foreign and domestic markets by combining quality control measures and decades of experience in use of yarn and dyes.
This also earned Kannur recognition as one of the towns of export excellence declared by Union Ministry of Commerce. Mixing tradition with modern trends in design, products created by skilled weavers here give special grace to interiors.
Domestic market
“All cotton handloom and textile interior products manufactured exclusively for export in Kannur, are now growing popular in the domestic market,” says C. Jayachandran, managing partner of Mascot Industries, manufacturers and exporters of cotton furnishings and made-ups.
Builders and interior designers are now aware of the unique feel that colour coordinated cotton fabrics can bring to interiors, he says, adding that a three-bedroom housing unit requires on an average 200 metres of fabric in the form of furnishings and made-ups.
The fascinating collection of cotton bed sheets and bedspreads woven by handloom houses here give a versatile look to bedrooms, according to interior designers.
“Our cotton bed covers and bed linens are designed aesthetically to suit various styles and shapes of décor,” says U.K. Sajith Kumar, managing director, West Coast Weaving Establishment, which manufactures and exports cotton furnishings and made-ups.
There will be a boom in demand for cotton furnishings in the domestic market within five to ten years, especially in metros, adds Mr. Kumar.
Home furnishings including cotton curtains, cushion, cushion covers, floor coverings, and rugs woven in the looms of Kannur are available in a variety of shades and designs, patterns and textures that suit the client’s taste and concept of style.
MOHAMED NAZEER
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