Making Madras

Madras handkerchiefs are square pieces of cotton cloth woven with multi-colour checked designs. They are woven in plain-weave and in lengths of multiple handkerchiefs at a time. Each handkerchief is separated by its own borders, and measures about a yard (91 cm) square.

Madras handkerchiefs are named for the South Indian city of Madras (now Chennai, Tamil Nadu), but were made across many parts of South India. Artisan communities worked together to make Madras, developing new styles and varieties by creatively modifying the colours, patterns, and textures of the cloth.