A Hindi term for plain handloom woven silk made from thick yarn, which is warm to the touch, is crease resistant and looks like linen but with a softer drape. It can either be made from Mulberry silk filament, which produce the finest cloth, or broken, wild eri, silk, which gives a fluffier and softer cloth with tweed-like irregular slubs and flecks.
Matka silk is not expensive and comes in a huge variety of colours. Its drape is good enough, and heavy enough, for the best swags and tails – especially when cut on the cross; with a heavy interlining into good thick, curtains; on it’s own or lined only for fine, light drapes for windows and beds; also for cushions, bedcovers, light upholstery and bedroom loose covers.