Gamcha Check Cotton Scarf

A light, homespun and woven cotton scarf in classic checks. Perfect for use as a turban, too. Inspired by the traditional checked gamchas and lunghis of Bengal.

• Measures 24" by 80“ 
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• Hand-tied pompom finishing
• Crafted by Womenweave, an extraordinary NGO in central India training & employing women designers, spinners & weavers

Textile Story

This hand spun & woven cotton is entirely hand made. Once the cotton bolls have been gathered, they are carded to clean them of any debris. This is done using a manual or semi-mechanised machine that combs the fibre. It's a time-consuming task as the fibres are carded many times to ensure all the waste left from the cotton seeds is taken out.

The cleaned fibre is then spun into yarn on a charkha (spinning wheel) or spindle. The spinning thins out the fibres into a more standard thickness and gives length to the yarn while twisting it to give it strength.

This yarn is measured and then prepared for the loom, itself a lengthy process, where it is hand woven to create the cloth. Not only is cloth made this way environmentally friendly, it also maintains the intrinsic properties of cotton which are usually damaged during machine-processing. Its weave creates air pockets which make it cool in summer and warm in winter and its inherent strength makes it highly durable.

The semi-slubbed texture adds authenticity, a richness and variety to the cloth that is not found in machine-processed fabric. Any variations or irregularities are to be celebrated. They are part of the design & inherent to the handcrafted production process, making this item beautifully unique.