DIFFERENT KINDS OF TEXTILES IN NEPAL
Nepal is the 93rd largest country on the map according to the land size and home of the highest peak in the world. But its specialties do not end here; Nepal is a land with stunning and breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, kind and hospitable people, world class trekking trails and not to forget, a vibrant textile industry.
Textile Industry in Nepal;
The textile industry of Nepal encompasses the country’s colonial arts and crafts, culture, and creativity of its workers and residents. Nepals textile industry is influenced by over 125 ethnic groups that live in the country. They bring together their culture, skills, and creativity.
Textiles crafted in Nepal:
All across the country, from China to India, the textile industry of Nepal creates designs and patterns that are widely loved and acknowledged by the textile industry and connoisseurs. The textiles in Nepal are made from both animal and plant fibers. Here are some of the primary textiles you may see in Nepal.
Palpali Dakka Cloth:
Hand-woven textiles are made by the skillful crafts-women of the country who create beautiful designs and are loved by the people from different parts of the globe. Palpali Dakka cloth is the most acknowledged hand-woven textile, and it is made in factories in Tansen, a city of Nepal. Limbu people of eastern Nepal are also known for their distinctive patterns and Dhaka productions.
Dhaka is a cotton fabric that is woven on wood and bamboo handlooms. This cloth comes in various geometric patterns with Red and Orange colors.
Pashmina Shawls:
Pashmina is a very fine type of cashmere wool. Items made with Pashmina, like Pashmina shawls, are highly valued. The Pashmina shawls in Nepal are pure and are made in the homes of local weavers.
You can find Pshmina products throughout Nepal. Most of it is woven in the Kathmandu Valley, where it is exported in small quantities.
Jute Handbags:
Jute is a long strong fiber often used for industrial purposes. Because of its coarseness and strength, it is used to make sacks and is referred to as burlap. India, China, and Pakastan are the world leaders in jute production.
In Nepal, jute handbags are woven into fashionable and practical accessories. Jute is also used to make rugs in Nepal.
Tibetan Rugs:
Tibetan rugs are hand-made using fibers from jute, yak, or goat. Tibetan yak and goat rugs are some of the softest natural rugs one can find. These rugs are produced by Tibetan refugees who have settled in Nepal
The communities of Tibetan tribes living in Nepal make beautiful true Tibetan rugs that are exported worldwide. Kathmandu and other areas of Nepal like Jawalakhel, Himalayan regions, and Jomsom village are home to Tibetan weavers who create incredible Tibetan rugs in Nepal.
Chikankari:
Chikankari is an artfully done hand or machine embroidered piece of cloth. It can be done on a variety of textile fabrics such as silk, muslin, organza, chiffon, net, and others. In Nepal, beautiful Chikankari cloth is made by hand. The Nepalese learned the art of Chikankari from the neighboring country, India.
India and Nepal have a long history of trading textile goods dating back to the silk road. Chikankari embroidery can be found in Jawalakhel and Kathmandu.
Next time you are in Nepal, please ask us about our textile tour of Nepal. You will get to experience Nepali culture, arts, crafts, and textiles in one amazing tour.