Fabrics can be produced by machines (mill-made fabrics) or by hand (handmade fabrics) on looms. Each method includes many different types of fabrics, depending on the material and technique used.
Clothing was made totally by hand in the past, before textile machines were invented. After that, machine-made clothing became quite popular and took over the market. Handmade clothing hasn’t entirely vanished, either, and India is still one of the nations that produces the most hand-woven textiles. Because they are strong, durable, and unique, many people still love and prefer them now.
Machines are used in the production of mill-made fabrics. The entire process of creating handwoven fabrics is done by hand. Below, let’s explore each fabric type’s differences in more detail.
We at Fibre Bio are committed to offering both handcrafted and mill-made natural fabrics. The primary objective of this article is to compare these two methods for creating completely natural textiles.
Mill-made fabrics
Machine-made fabrics are mass-produced, affordable, and widely available in many stores. These fabrics are often inexpensive, but that doesn’t mean poor quality. Machines today are very efficient and can produce high-quality fabrics if the material, threads, and composition also meet quality standards.
There are many types of mill-made fabrics, using the vast majority of fibers available on the market, whether synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural. The production time for these industrial fabrics is very fast and requires virtually no labor. One person can easily operate several machines simultaneously. A hand weaver can take 2 to 3 hours to produce one meter of fabric, depending on their skill. Conversely, a modern power loom can produce 100 to 150 meters per minute, or even more, depending on the type of fabric.
China is the biggest producer of fabric in the world, making over $300 billion a year. India and Bangladesh are next, with India making about $37 billion and Bangladesh also being a major exporter of garments.
Handwoven fabrics
Handwoven fabrics are created by skilled artisans who weave the fabric entirely by hand using traditional looms (charkha). This process is much slower, and these fabrics often have a unique texture and character. The handwoven cloth can be more expensive than machine-made because it takes longer to make and requires special skills. They are considered more eco-friendly and support local artisans and traditions. Artisanal fabrics also provide a crucial source of income for rural communities in India.
The handloom sector has almost vanished worldwide. But India remains the world’s largest producer of handwoven fabrics. Nearly 95% of the world’s handcrafted fabrics come from India. From khadi to ikat to silk saris, India’s handloom industry plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage while supporting millions of skilled artisans across the country.
It is also more environmentally friendly. Producing one meter of handwoven khadi uses about 3 liters of water, whereas the same length of machine-made fabric can require up to 55 liters.
Discover our undyed mill-made and handwoven artisanal fabrics
At Fibre Bio, we offer both handwoven and mill-made fabrics. Our machine-made natural fabrics include organic cotton, linen, silk, wool, and more. We also provide handwoven options like Khadi 55, Kala Cotton, Khadi organic cotton, wild silk, and others.
We believe it’s important to develop both machine-made and handwoven fabrics so that everyone has access to a wide range of materials for their unique projects.
What is the difference between mill-made and handmade textiles?
| Features | Machine-made textiles | Handwoven textiles |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Made by machines or mills | Made by hand on traditional looms |
| Speed | Fast, mass production | Slow, detailed process |
| Cost | Usually affordable | Usually more expensive |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited, often regional or artisanal |
| Uniqueness | Consistent, repeated patterns | Unique texture and design variations |
| Environmental impact | Often higher due to machines and chemicals | Generally lower, eco-friendly process |
Which fabric should you choose?
The choice between mill-made and handcrafted fabrics depends on your needs. Both are good choices. If you are looking for something unique, eco-friendly, and crafted with care, handwoven fabrics are worth the investment. But if you want something affordable, durable, and easily available in fabrics, you can go with mill-made fabrics.
At Fibre Bio, we are proud to support sustainable fashion by supplying our natural fabrics and sustainable products. All RFD collections in our catalog are made from high-quality natural materials that are completely biodegradable, safe for you, and also better for the environment.
For more information about our services, contact us at contact@fibrebio.com