Pattu Silk

Pattu is the South Indian term for pure mulberry silk woven on handlooms, most famously in Tamil Nadu. A genuine pattu saree is woven from twisted mulberry silk yarn with a zari border made from silk thread wrapped in silver wire and finished with a gold wash. The weight of a saree is the quickest honesty check: a full pattu saree with real zari usually weighs between 450 and 800 grams, and lighter pieces almost always use tested (electroplated copper) zari rather than silver. The body and border are woven separately and joined with the korvai interlock technique, so the join is visible as a firm, slightly ridged seam on both sides rather than a printed line. Prices scale with silk grade, zari content and the complexity of the pallu. Pattu is worn for weddings, temple visits and Pongal, and improves with careful use: dry clean only, refold along a new line every few months, and store wrapped in unbleached cotton or muslin away from direct light.