Pure mulberry silk is used by master craftsmen in Kanchipuram to weave every one of these gorgeous silks. The yarns are first dipped in rice water, and then sun-dried. This process makes the yarn thicker and stiffer – lending it strength and texture. The thread is then interlocked with a thin silver wire/ zari yarn, followed by a gold thread or zari – and thence begins the process. The fabric, thus produced, is extremely durable and strong, especially when the metallic yarn is used aplenty. However, this can make the saree as heavy as up to 2 kilos – plus quite expensive, especially when yarns in real silver, gold, or gold plated copper are used!
