Promoting Natural Fibers & Dyes

Chizami Weaves is dedicated to reviving and sustaining traditional knowledge of natural dyes and fibers, with a special focus on indigenous cotton. Our locally planted cotton is handspun and naturally dyed using indigenous plants, ensuring an eco-friendly and ethical approach to weaving.

We work closely with skilled elderly women (aged 50-80) and self-help groups (SHGs), giving identity to traditional cotton and the artisans who process and weave it. Through skill enhancement training, innovative product design, and market linkages, we support traditional textile livelihoods while fostering self-reliant producer institutions.

Due to the limited number of spinners, our handcrafted textiles are produced in small batches, making each piece unique and special. By choosing Chizami Weaves, you support sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and the continuation of age-old weaving traditions.

Product available (by order) : Stoles, Shawls and Mekhela set 

Traditional Cotton Processing Steps

Step 1: Drying
After harvesting, the cotton is dried well in the sun for 2-3 days. Proper drying helps remove dirt and seeds more easily while improving the fiber's quality.

Step 2: De-seeding/Ginning
This process is usually done under the blazing sun. Warm, dry cotton and tools make it easier to separate the seeds from the cotton fiber.

Step 3: Fluffing
After de-seeding, the cotton is fluffed using a traditional bow (Tupha ka-Phaprurho). This process aligns the fibrils, softens the cotton wadding, and makes it more supple for spinning, ensuring better-quality fiber.

Step 4: Rolling
Once fluffed, the cotton fiber is rolled into long, sausage-like strips using a slim bamboo stick of the right size. This prepares it for spinning.

Step 5: Spinning – Spin cotton fiber using a wooden hand spindle. Once full, transfer the spun yarn onto a bamboo stick (Chizami-pahu chu) to form a hank (Chizami-Lori), preparing it for starching.

Step 6: Washing – Wash the yarn in water and beat it with a flat wooden tool (Lode chu) for 2-3 minutes per hank. This evens the size, strengthens, and refines the fiber.

Step 7: Starching – Cook rice powder into a smooth paste, cool it, and dip the yarn, ensuring even coating. Squeeze, hang on a bamboo line, and sun-dry while stretching to strengthen the fibers and remove excess starch.

These meticulous steps enhance durability, texture, and quality, preserving the integrity of traditional cotton weaving.