This famed and well-loved saree is usually made out of silk, with double ikat weaving. Vegetable dyes are used to add colour to the fabric. Earlier worn by ladies of the royal household and wives of aristocrats, Patola sarees are a work of art. They cost anywhere between INR 20,000 and INR 20,00,000, depending on how intricate the work is and the amount of gold thread used in weaving. The skill of weaving these sarees is passed on from generation to generation (only to sons) and today, there are only three families in Patan, who weave these prized sarees. The process is long and complicated and involves the dyeing of each strand of yarn separately, before they are woven.

Another attraction in Patan is mashru, which a fabric woven using silk and cotton in a satin weave. The silk is on the outer surface while the cotton lies on the inside, making it a very comfortable wear, especially in hot and humid climes. Legend has it that the weave originated in West Asia in the 19th century. It is said that silk fabric was banned in Muslim communities as it was made by killing silkworm. Thus, mashru fabric was created, which featured an inner lining of cotton and the outer lustre of silk, so that silk could not come in contact with the skin but its sheen could still be seen. Mashru is used to make garments, as well as home furnishings, including cushions and quilts.

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