Secrets for Weaving: Adding Beauty to the Fabric with Special Patterns
Hand weaving is an incredible skill used to create beautiful patterns that enhance the overall look of fabrics. The weaving technique is similar to that of Khit cloth but requires even more meticulous work when crafting brocade. Due to its complexity, brocade weaving is highly valued and often used for special occasions.
The pattern of the brocade cloth is formed by an alternating process involving a "lifting line," where threads rise, and a "reining line," where threads are lowered. While wefting the shuttle between the lifting and weaving lines, a raised pattern is formed on the fabric's surface. Silk, gold, or silver threads can be used in this process—"lifting silk" for silk threads, "lifting gold" for gold threads, and "lifting silver" for silver threads.
Weaving Techniques in the Northeast: Preserving the Old Beauty
Traditionally, northeastern weavers employed raised weaving techniques with tako and used specific methods to separate colors along the fabric's edge, using tapestry or Mudmee techniques. The resulting fabric often features various floral motifs, including the Pikun and Phakajan flower patterns, and typically uses a monochrome color scheme. These patterns require about 12-30 tako and are popular for weaving sarongs.
Lao Yarnabab Fabric: The Timeless Art of Isan
In 2000, the Ban Tha Sawang Group, founded by Dr. Veeratham Trakulngenthai, aimed to restore the lost Siamese royal weaving style. This involved creating beautiful, intricate patterns using numerous tako techniques, which required building looms capable of handling hundreds of tako panels. The renowned "Lao cloth" from Ubon Ratchathani, woven during King Rama V's reign, exemplifies this tradition. This heritage has been preserved by Khun Khampun Srisai and Khun Meechai Taesujariya through the establishment of the Ban Khampun Silk Museum.
End with the Beauty of Thai Wisdom
Thai brocade fabrics reflect the deep wisdom of Thai culture through delicate, intricate weaving techniques. Brocade is highly valued for its stunning appearance, used on special occasions, and features patterns that embody the culture and history of northeastern Thailand. The importance of these patterns ensures that Pha Yok remains a significant part of Thai cultural heritage.
Thank You Source
Intellectual Heritage Book: Isaan Textiles
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