Kanakrekha is an original Sambalpuri cotton saree woven in mustard yellow mercerized cotton, bringing together the handloom Sambalpuri saree tradition through a structured daanti body, a fish-motif border, and ikat-patterned pallu across 5.40 metres of considered cloth.

The Craft Behind Kanakrekha

Kanakrekha is made using Bandha, the double ikat technique practised by Bhulia weavers of Odisha. Before a single thread crosses the loom, both warp and weft threads are hand-bound and resist-dyed in precise sections. When weaving begins, the pre-dyed threads meet exactly as calculated — ikat motifs emerge simultaneously in both directions through the Bandhakala process. The daanti checks on the body are formed using the jala technique, adding a second layer of structural complexity. Mercerized cotton at a 120-warp by 120-weft thread count requires 10 to 15 days on the loom. Each Pasapali saree carries the GI certified Sambalpuri saree mark and the Government of India Handloom Mark, confirming the cloth's origin and method.

Wearing Kanakrekha

Mercerized cotton at this thread count drapes with a quiet weight — firm enough to hold a clean pleat, light enough to move with the wearer across a full day. The mustard yellow holds its tone in both indoor and outdoor light without appearing flat. The fish-motif border frames the drape at the hem while the jala-check body gives the cloth a measured visual rhythm without added embellishment. As a Sambalpuri saree for wedding gatherings, the ikat pallu reads well from a distance. As a Sambalpuri saree for puja, the restrained palette and geometric body carry the right gravity. As a Sambalpuri cotton saree for office wear, the structure and breathability of mercerized cotton make it a practical and considered choice across seasons.

Kanakrekha is part of Pasapali's ongoing work with authentic Sambalpuri handloom sarees, sourced directly from Bhulia weavers in Odisha.

Explore More Handloom Sarees

Kanakrekha is part of Pasapali's collection of Sambalpuri Handloom sarees from Odisha. Read the story behind the brand and the weavers who make them.