Types of Natural Fibres
Cotton
Finest Handspun Handwoven Cotton (Muslin)
Originated from Sonargaon, Bangladesh Muslin is the Finest and Lightest Hand Spun and Hand Woven fabric in the world and such a technique of weaving is truly possible to make only by hand spinning and hand weaving because of its delicacy that cannot be produced using machines. Muslin cloth (also known as Mulmul) is a plain weaving which is spun and woven by the skilled and experienced artisans. Spinning of such cloth involves enormous amount of dedication and passion in the work as it is extremely laborious and time consuming. This particular fabric is so unique in making and need different weather conditions to prepare. Starting from the pre – loom activities, each steps is extremely delicate and needs complete care.
Muslin is now made using Gossypium Hirsutum Cotton Variety which is a long staple. The finest counts, according to the history were upto 1800 counts found during the Mughal Era made using Gossypium Arboretum, short staple cotton fibre. This particular artwork was once so exclusive and expensive that it was worn mostly by the imperial family members. But under the British rule, the production of Indian textile was hampered for which the hand weaving culture declined gradually. Slowly the weaving of muslin was reduced to a greater extent.
The intricate work of muslin making involves a lot of patience and time. Such a muslin cloth can pass through nose ring because of fineness. It may take from 60 days to a year to weave the higher counts with hand woven designs on it to complement with the beautiful fabric. Mostly the designs or hand works that are made on a Muslin fabric is Jamdani.
Indigenous Variety Cotton (Desi)
Indian subcontinent is rich in cotton production and its evolution dates back from 5-10 million years ago. The cotton used to be of high quality that were mostly short staple and were grown without using of any harmful chemicals like pesticides or insecticides. The maintenance of such a crop was naturally done by the cotton growers. The part of cotton which was used for spinning and weaving produced high quality of cloth which were achieved with the expertise of the artisans of India. Indians did mastery in pre-loom activities, spinning and weaving. Such art got destroyed with the introduction of American Cotton in India. The British government forced the Indian cotton growers to shift into the farming of their cotton which affected the livelihoods of the farmers. Later, the setting up of mill industries which were designed for spinning and weaving of American Cotton that restricted the growth of Indian Indigenous Variety Cotton.
Today Indigenous Variety Cotton is referred to Gossypium Arboreum, a short staple which is grown in India. It is absolutely chemical free and environment friendly cotton yarn that is used to weave fabrics. The nature of this cotton is of high quality which produces good quality products which is skin friendly and breathable. It also helps in the proper perspiration on the body. Indigenous Variety Cotton (also called Desi Cotton) shows tolerance to drought and pests. It is also called as rainfed cotton and plays an important role in climate change.