A comprehensive documentation on the famous cutwork fabric of Varanasi.

Katrawan word is derived from 'Katra hua', which translates into something which is cut. Since weft-cutting is such an integral part of the fabric, it is called Cutwork.

Cutwork is a manifestation of the modern world’s need for more affordable fabric. In a cutwork fabric, the extra-weft shuttle is run through and through the width instead of local insertion. Later the floats between the motifs are cut resulting in an interesting play of translucency and opacity in the fabric. The process of cutting the weft also makes the fabric lighter in weight and easier to produce and hence making it more affordable.