About the Craft
A Decorative Language in Weaves
Extra weft is a decorative weaving technique used to create patterns, motifs, or textures directly on the loom. Unlike plain weaves that rely only on warp and weft interlacing, this method introduces an additional weft thread to form raised designs or embellishments within the fabric itself.
Practiced across India, extra weft weaving appears in diverse forms, from the intricate brocades of Banaras and the tribal textiles of Nagaland to the geometric patterns of Andhra’s Telia Rumal. Each region interprets the technique differently, using it to express cultural identity through structure and form.
Beyond decoration, extra weft represents innovation in handloom design, where creativity lies not in surface embellishment, but in the very fabric of the weave.
