Sico is a fabric made by a combination of two fibers. In sico fabric weft yarn is made cotton and warp yarn is made of cotton and these two interlocked on the handloom. The mixture of silk and cotton offers a luxurious feel and sheen of silk with the high durability and breathability of cotton. In some Sico fabric, a mix of mercerized cotton & silk is used.
Sico fabric offers a comfortable yet elegant clothing option. The blend of fibers gives a unique texture and drape, making it a popular choice for styling sarees, and dress materials.
Regional SICO Sarees in India
- Madhavaram Sico Sarees
- Gadwal Sico Sarees
- Chirala Sico Sarees
- Venkatagiri Sico Saree
- Coimbatore Sico Sarees
- Ikkat Sico Sarees
- Kuppadam Sico Sarees
- Chanderi Sico Sarees
Madhavaram Sico Sarees
Madhavaram sico sarees, known for their rich heritage and intricate craftsmanship, made of natural dyes, fine cotton, silk, and Jacquard designs, making them popular across South India.
- Madhavaram sarees originated from Madhavaram, Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. These sarees have a history dating back to crafting cotton “Rumals” and later expanding into zari-bordered cotton sarees by the 1930s.
- Despite silk dominance, Madhavaram sico sarees are renowned for their lightweight, durable, and intricate brocades.
- These sarees come with Jacquard Zari Border, bird motifs, flower motifs, and Geometric Lines Zari Kaddi Borders. These are best used for daily wear.
Saree Specifications:
– Weave includes plain and floral motifs.
– Sarees are typically 1.2 to 1.5 meters wide and 5.40 to 6.2 meters long.
– Yarn types used are cotton (combed and gas mercerized) and silk.
Saree Process of Making:
– Involves winding, warping, dyeing (using Naphthol Dyes), sizing with rice starch, and weaving on pit looms.
– Weavers procure raw materials from Coimbatore (cotton), Bangalore (silk), and Surat (Zari).
– Techniques like bobbin winding, warping on circular drums, street sizing, and weft winding are crucial.
Generally, Madhavaram sico sarees price starts at 2000 and ranges till 7000 per saree
Gadwal Sico Sarees
Gadwal sico sarees are renowned for their intricate weaving and rich cultural heritage. Originating from Gadwal town, from Gadwal district of Telangana,
Gadwal sico sarees are known for their rich borders, contrasting colors, and lightweight fabric. The body of the saree is made from cotton, silk, while the borders and pallu are made from pure silk, creating a unique combination. This makes it comfortable and elegant.
The Sico Gadwal sarees are made using Kuttu technique, This technique involves the interlocking of silk and cotton threads (SICO fabric) in a specific manner. It involves skill and precision, resulting in beautiful and durable sarees.
The motifs and designs often feature traditional patterns such as temple designs, floral motifs, and geometric shapes, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
Gadwal sarees come in vibrant colors and make use of natural dyes. This makes sarees are ideal for festive occasions and weddings, offering a perfect blend of tradition. These sarees are best suitable and popular in older women than younger women. They offer royal, pride feel to older one.
Generally, Gadwal sico sarees price starts at 4000 and ranges till 10,000 per saree
The weaving process of Gadwal sico sarees involves several stages, including dyeing the threads, setting up the loom, and meticulously weaving the intricate patterns. The borders are often woven separately and then attached to the main body of the saree, a technique that adds to the saree’s allure.
Chirala Sico Sarees
Chirala, a coastal town in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, is renowned for its vibrant handloom industry. Often referred to as “Small Mumbai” due to the wide variety of sarees available.
Chirala sico sarees come with intricate designs and high-quality fabric. The sarees are typically made from cotton, but blends with silk with cotton (SICO sarees) are also common.
Generally, Chirala sico sarees price starts at 4,000 and ranges till 8,000 per saree
A hallmark of Chirala sico sarees is the “Hand Butta” design, where colors are intricately woven into the zari patterns by hand. The “Kuppadam” solid saree border, a distinctive feature of Chirala sarees, is registered under the Geographical Indications. The weaving process involves several steps, including dyeing, starching, and weaving on pit looms, ensuring the softness and durability of the fabric.
Venkatagiri Sico Saree
Venkatagiri sico sarees, originating from the town of Venkatagiri in Andhra Pradesh, are renowned for their lightweight, soft, and durable characteristics. These sarees are primarily crafted from cotton, silk, and silk-cotton (SICO) blends, featuring intricate Zari borders and pallus, making them a favorite among royalty since the 1700s.
The weaving process of Venkatagiri sico sarees involves several steps. The yarn is first dyed, starched, and then spun into thread. Weaving is typically done on shuttle pit looms, with motifs and pallus created using the extra-weft technique, specifically the Adai method for intricate Jamdani designs. The sarees are often decorated with motifs like dots, leaves, and peacocks, woven between gold bands known as Variakanchu.
Venkatagiri sarees come in various types, including Venkatagiri Sico, Venkatagiri 100, Venkatagiri-putta, and Venkatagiri-Silk,. Each type is distinguished by its weave count and material blend. Despite their traditional roots, these sarees are still highly used for their elegance and comfort, especially during the summer.
Generally, Venkatagiri sico sarees price starts at 3,500 and ranges till 9,000 per saree
Maintaining a Venkatagiri saree requires careful handling due to the delicate Zari work. Handwashing with gentle conditioners or dry cleaning is recommended for longevity.
Coimbatore Sico Sarees
The Coimbatore sico sarees come with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and luxurious texture. Originating from the city of Coimbatore, known for its thriving textile industry, the Coimbatore silk cotton saree dates back to the 18th century.
Historically, this saree was associated with nobility and was worn during special occasions like weddings and festivals.
Each sico saree is crafted on handlooms, a process that can take up to three days, involving artisans who weave together silk and cotton threads.
Generally, Coimbatore sico sarees price starts at 500 and ranges till 4,000 per saree
Today, Coimbatore sico sarees continue to be a preferred choice for many women, representing a bridge between tradition and contemporary fashion.
Ikkat Sico Sarees or Pochampally Sico Saress
In Ikkat Sico fabric, the intricate Ikkat tie & dye technique is employed, where yarns are dyed before weaving, resulting in distinctive blurred patterns and designs.
Ikkat Sico Sarees are woven primarily in Pochampally and other weaving clusters in Telangana, Ikkat Sico sarees showcase rich cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship. These sarees are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate motifs, reflecting the skilled artistry of Indian weavers. The vertical warp yarns provide structural integrity, while the horizontal weft yarns, whether silk or cotton, contribute to the fabric’s texture and drape. Silk in the weft enhances the fabric’s smoothness and luster, contrasting with the matte finish of cotton, which adds durability and breathability.
Ikkat Sico fabric finds versatile usage in daily attire such as sarees, dupattas, and ethnic wear like kurtas and suits, blending traditional charm with modern appeal. Its ability to retain vibrant dyes and its eco-friendly biodegradability further underscore its appeal in sustainable fashion choices.
Generally, Pochampally ikkat sico sarees price starts at 3,500 and ranges till 10,000 per saree
For those seeking distinctive elegance and cultural richness, Ikkat Sico fabric remains a timeless choice in Indian textiles.
Kuppadam Sico Sarees
Kuppadam sico sarees, the exquisite masterpieces handwoven by skilled artisans in the village of Kuppadam, Andhra Pradesh. These sarees come with Jacquard Zari Border, bird motifs, flower motifs, and Geometric Lines Zari Kaddi Borders.
Generally, Kuppadam sico sarees price starts at 1,000 and ranges till 3,000 per saree
Chanderi Sico Sarees
Chanderi sarees originate from the small town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh. History dating back over 5,000 years. Chanderi sarees are renowned for their sheer texture, lightweight nature, and luxurious feel, often crafted from a blend of silk and cotton (SICO) with intricate gold or silver borders and motifs.
Historically, Chanderi was a prominent trade center under various rulers, Scindias, who significantly patronized the weaving industry. The process of making Chanderi sarees involves meticulous steps, from designing on graph paper to dyeing, sizing, and weaving on traditional looms. The motifs often draw inspiration from nature, featuring patterns like flowers, coins, and mangoes.
Different Types of Chanderi Sarees
- Asavali: Known for their extremely fine cotton and gold threads, Asavali sarees incorporate delicate gold ornaments woven into the pallav, border, and body, resembling Mughal architectural inlays.
- Double Chashmee: Historically significant, these sarees feature borders of different colors, akin to the Ganga-Jamuna style. They are now rare and were once woven by Muslim weavers.
- Plain Pot: The simplest form, these sarees lack motifs or borders, making them the most affordable Chanderi sarees.
- Patal: Designed as bridal sarees, these are wider to allow a trailing effect and a long veil, ideal for ceremonial wear.
- Jamdani: The most expensive, Jamdani sarees are known for their intricate all-over patterns, costing between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 5000.
- Golpatti: Featuring a very narrow golden border, these sarees add a touch of subtle elegance.
- Dandidaaar: Distinguished by golden pillars in the pallav, they are unique and striking.
- Nal Phorva: These have intricate woven borders on a silk background, attached to the saree body with a slight woven extension.
- Kathan: Characterized by one series of highly twisted silk yarn and another of normal twist, giving the saree a fluffy texture.
Generally, Chanderi sico sarees price starts at 1,300 and ranges till 20,000 per saree
Chanderi sico sarees comes with Gold coins, Dots, Mango shapes, Birds, Anklets, Flowers, Flowers with leaves, Trees, and Walnuts.
FAQ’s
Madhavaram Sico Sarees originate from Madhavaram in Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their rich heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and use of natural dyes, featuring Jacquard Zari Borders, bird and flower motifs. Lightweight and durable, they are popular for daily wear.
Gadwal Sico Sarees originate from Gadwal, Telangana. Known for their rich borders and contrasting colors, these sarees blend silk and cotton using the Kuttu technique. They feature traditional motifs like temple designs and are lightweight, making them ideal for festive occasions and weddings.
Chirala Sico Sarees originate from Chirala, Andhra Pradesh. They are known for their intricate designs, high-quality fabric, and distinctive “Hand Butta” design. Featuring the registered “Kuppadam” solid saree border, these sarees are made using traditional dyeing and weaving techniques on pit looms.
Venkatagiri Sico Sarees originate from Venkatagiri, Andhra Pradesh. Known for their lightweight, soft texture, and intricate Zari borders, these sarees blend cotton and silk. They feature traditional motifs like dots, leaves, and peacocks, and are woven using the extra-weft technique on shuttle pit looms.
Coimbatore Sico Sarees originate from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, known for its thriving textile industry. These sarees blend silk and cotton, offering intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and a luxurious texture. Crafted on handlooms, they symbolize a blend of tradition and contemporary fashion, historically associated with nobility and special occasions.
Ikkat Sico Sarees are crafted using the Ikkat tie & dye technique, where yarns are dyed before weaving to create distinctive blurred patterns. Primarily woven in Pochampally and other Telangana clusters, these sarees combine vibrant colors, intricate motifs, and a blend of silk and cotton. They represent a rich cultural heritage and are favored for their traditional charm and modern appeal.
Kuppadam Sico Sarees are exquisite handwoven sarees originating from Kuppadam, Andhra Pradesh. They feature Jacquard Zari Borders, bird motifs, flower motifs, and geometric lines, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Made from a blend of silk and cotton, these sarees are known for their unique designs and are highly valued for their elegance and traditional significance.
Chanderi Sico Sarees originate from Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, known for their sheer texture, lightweight feel, and luxurious blend of silk and cotton. These sarees feature intricate gold or silver borders and motifs inspired by nature, crafted using traditional weaving techniques. They are favored for their elegance and cultural heritage, making them ideal for special occasions and ceremonies.