J White or coloured designs of great intricacy are created using a
method of weaving, somewhat like tapestry work. Small shuttles filled with coloured, gold
or silver thread, are passed throught the warp as required for the basic weave. The fabric
appears lacelike with shadowy figured designs, dreamy and suggestive. A speciality of
Dacca, the long warp threads are arranged, as in the case of any ordinary cloth. The
pattern of the embroidery is drawn on paper and pinned beneath the warp. Whilst weaving
the workmen have to raise the paper pattern to ascertain if the weft has neared to where a
flower or figure had to appear. When the exact spot is reached, he uses a bamboo sliver to
pass each buthi thread through the warp, sewing down the inserted thread. When the
embroidered pattern is continous and regular, the weaver usually dispenses with the paper
pattern. Two weavers normally work at a loom to accelerate as also simplify the work.
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