A handloom saree is often woven on a shuttle-pit loom that is made from ropes, wooden beams and poles. The shuttle is thrown from side-to-side by the weaver. Other weavers use a fly-shuttle loom which can produce different types of patterns. The sarees can vary in size and quality. Generally handloom saree weaving is a family enterprise and one of India's cottage industries. The handloom sarees are made from silk or cotton threads.

Traditionally all the process of thread dyeing and warping were outsourced and sizing, attaching the warp, weft winding and Weaving were done by the weavers. It is important to understand the complex process that plays a major role behind in weaving handloom sarees and the final product which we get to buy from shops. Weaving takes place in many regions of India. Each region has traditional designs for the motifs, design and colours. Handloom weaving takes place in villages supporting lakhs of families for their Livelihood.