How to Identify Authentic Handwoven Fabrics?

Australians love the timeless beauty of handwoven clothing and other fabrics. These can add a touch of elegance, ancient history, and a unique level of craftsmanship that is often missing from machine-made textiles. The best part is that you can easily find these handmade wooden furniture,  artifacts and clothing online without a hint of stress- thanks to the growing demand across the nation, including Australia and the U.S. Whether you love collective handmade artifacts or a fashion enthusiast, identifying the authenticity is crucial before making a final decision. These fabrics are usually crafted using old, traditional techniques, such as unique weaving patterns and textures. Here are easy ways to help you invest in genuine handwoven fabrics:

1. Check For Woven Irregularities

Weaving patterns are one of the key factors that can help you determine the difference between handwoven and machine-made fabric. Many experts believe that handwoven fabrics are known for their mild imperfections. These are created on manual looms and every piece is different from one another. Thus, minor irregularities in the weave, small knots, and slight thickness indicate that the fabric is made by hand instead of a machine.

2. Check the Edges and Selvage

In hand-woven fabrics, the selvage is tightly knitted but may appear thick and uneven as the artisan controls the tension of the yarns manually. Machine-made textiles, on the other hand, have perfectly created and tightly stitched edges as high speed machine is used for creating looms. So, always invest in the fabric that has a slight irregular selvage or edges.

3. Feel the Texture and Softness

Believe it or not! Handwoven fabrics have a plusher and breathable feel compared to mass-produced pieces. The texture of a handwoven fabric often reflects the natural fibres used, such as cotton, silk, linen, or wool. Since these fabrics are woven slowly and carefully, the fibres are not overly stressed, allowing them to retain their natural softness and durability.  Make sure you buy handmade clothing from a reliable store and make the most of your investment.

4. Check for Thread Variations

Traditional hand-woven fabrics in Australia feature loose threads, hand-tied knots and minor thread changes. These are key indicators that can help you pick the most authentic fabric. On the other hand, machine-made clothing, have same thread patterns and subtle thickness. So, check for these minor changes before making the final decision.

5. Duration and Craftsmanship

The production time for a handwoven fabric is significantly longer than for a machine-made one. Many artisans take days or even weeks to weave a single piece, carefully interlacing each thread to create a distinctive design. If a fabric claims to be handwoven but is mass-produced in a short time and at an unusually low price, it is likely not authentic.  The best part is that authentic handwoven textiles often come with artisan labels, certificates of authenticity, or details about the weaver and production process, ensuring their origin and craftsmanship. This can also help you make eco-friendly clothing choices when you make right buying decisions.

Wrapping Up

This guide will help you identify the authenticity of hand-woven fabric even if you are purchasing for the first time. Ensure you keep these tips in mind and make a well-informed decision.