Handmade Yarn Mat

Kerala's handloom tradition has always been about more than just creating functional items – it's about weaving stories, culture, and community into every thread. This handmade yarn mat from the Pinarayi Handloom Cooperative Society in Kannur is a perfect example of how traditional craftsmanship can seamlessly blend into modern homes. Measuring 100 cm x 60 cm, this vibrant mat brings together the rich coral-pink and deep blue colours in a checkered pattern that's both eye-catching and versatile. The solid blue border frames the design beautifully, giving it a finished, polished look. Whether placed at your doorway, beside your bed, in the bathroom, or as a decorative accent in your living room, this mat adds warmth, colour, and character to any space.

About the Craft

The weavers of the Pinarayi Handloom Cooperative Society in the Kannur district carry forward a legacy that has sustained families and communities for generations. Working within a cooperative structure means these artisans receive fair compensation whilst preserving traditional techniques that might otherwise be lost to mechanisation. This particular mat showcases their expertise in working with cotton yarn to create durable floor coverings. The weaving process uses 2/17s cotton for the warp threads that run lengthwise and 2s cotton for the weft threads that cross horizontally, creating a tight, stable construction. The chequered pattern you see isn't printed or dyed on – it's woven directly into the mat's structure through careful planning and execution. The weaver must maintain consistent tension throughout, ensuring each intersection of colour creates the precise pattern. The solid blue border requires additional attention as the weaver transitions from the patterned centre to the plain edges. Hours of patient work go into creating each mat, with the rhythmic sound of the loom marking the passage of time. The cooperative model ensures this knowledge passes to younger generations whilst providing steady livelihoods to rural communities.

Speciality

What makes this handmade yarn mat truly special is its honest functionality paired with aesthetic appeal. Cotton is the ideal material for floor mats – it's absorbent, naturally antibacterial, durable, and comfortable underfoot. The tight weave means it can handle daily foot traffic whilst maintaining its structure and appearance. The colour combination is thoughtfully chosen – the coral-pink brings warmth and energy, whilst the navy blue adds depth and sophistication. Together, they create a mat that works with multiple interior styles, from traditional Kerala homes to contemporary apartments. The chequered pattern has a timeless quality that won't feel dated even years from now. At 100 cm x 60 cm, it's sized perfectly for standard doorways but also works beautifully as a bathmat, beside your bed for those early morning steps, in the kitchen, or even as a decorative runner on a console table. The cotton construction means it stays in place reasonably well without being slippery, and its weight is substantial enough to feel quality yet light enough to move and shake out easily.

How to Care?

Caring for your handloom cotton mat is straightforward. Regular maintenance involves shaking it out outdoors to remove dust and loose dirt – doing this frequently means you'll need to wash it less often. When washing becomes necessary, use a normal wash cycle with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Cotton can handle machine washing, but if you prefer, hand washing works equally well. Avoid using harsh bleach, which can weaken the fibres and affect the colours over time. After washing, air dry the mat naturally – you can hang it over a railing or lay it flat. Whilst cotton is more sun-resistant than silk or wool, prolonged direct sunlight exposure can gradually fade the vibrant colours, so drying in partial shade or indoors is ideal. If the mat develops any stubborn stains, spot clean them promptly before they set. Cotton mats like this actually improve with use, becoming softer and more comfortable over time whilst maintaining their durability.

This handloom yarn mat from Kerala represents the perfect marriage of form and function. It's practical enough for daily use, beautiful enough to enhance your décor, and meaningful enough to connect you with India's handloom heritage. When you bring this mat home, you're supporting the Pinarayi Handloom Cooperative Society and helping keep traditional weaving skills alive in rural Kerala.