Khan Purse

A saree fabric that deserved to become a bag Khan — also spelled Khun — is a handloom fabric woven in and around Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for its characteristic dense geometric weave, subtle surface texture, and the rich, slightly lustrous quality that comes from the specific yarn and interlocking structure used in its making. It has been the fabric of traditional Maharashtrian women's clothing for generations — worn as sarees and dupattas, recognised immediately by anyone familiar with the region's textile heritage. Vedika Sales' Khan Purse takes this fabric out of the wardrobe and into daily carry, handcrafting it into a structured crossbody bag that carries the full visual identity of Khan — the weave, the sheen, the signature gold zari border — in a form that goes everywhere a woman goes. The fabric The body of the bag is made from deep crimson Khan handloom fabric, woven in the characteristic dense small-motif or diamond geometric pattern that gives Khan its instantly recognisable texture. The weave is tight and firm, which gives the fabric a natural structure that makes it well suited to bag construction — it holds its shape without requiring heavy internal stiffening and resists the wear and abrasion of daily use better than printed cottons or loosely woven textiles. The defining feature of any Khan piece is its zari border, and this bag carries that tradition directly. A wide band of gold and red zari weave runs horizontally across the lower section of the front face — the same kind of ornate border that runs along the edge of a Khan saree. On a bag, this border becomes the focal point of the design: clearly woven rather than printed, clearly traditional, and clearly from a specific place and practice. The construction The bag is rectangular and flat, structured and double-lined for shape retention. Two black zip closures run across the front — one at the top edge for the main compartment and one across the middle creating a flat front pocket — giving secure, separated access to different contents. The adjustable black crossbody strap is stitched to the bag with metal hardware and allows the bag to be worn across the body or over the shoulder depending on preference. The lining inside keeps the bag firm and protects the contents from the slight texture of the Khan fabric interior. The overall weight at 250 grams is light enough that a fully loaded bag — phone, wallet, keys, small pouch — remains comfortable to carry through a full day. No two bags are identical Khan is a handloom fabric, which means the weave pattern, the density of the zari border, and the exact shade of crimson will vary slightly between pieces. Two bags made from different sections of the same fabric will have minor visible differences — in the placement of the border, the alignment of the weave, or the intensity of the colour. These are not manufacturing inconsistencies; they are the natural variation of handwoven cloth, and they mean that the bag a buyer receives is theirs alone. When to carry it The Khan Purse is sized and structured for everyday carry — the two compartments easily hold a phone, cards, cash, keys, and a small cosmetics pouch. Its appearance and fabric make it equally appropriate for daily use and for occasions: temple visits, family functions, festive outings, and cultural events where a bag made from a recognisable Maharashtrian textile is a meaningful choice rather than a neutral one. It also gifts well — the Khan fabric gives it an immediate sense of origin and craft that a standard fabric bag cannot replicate. Specifications Fabric: Authentic Khan (Khun) handloom, deep crimson with gold and red zari border panel Lining: Double-lined interior Closure: Two black zip closures — top main compartment and front flat pocket Strap: Black adjustable crossbody strap with metal hardware Colours: Red, Pink, Blue, White, Yellow, Green, Black Sizes: Small: 15 × 10 cm, Medium: 20 × 12 cm, Large: 25 × 15 cm Net Weight: 250 g Style: Flat rectangular crossbody/sling bag Origin: Kolhapur, Maharashtra Care Hand wash only in cold water with a mild detergent — do not machine wash, bleach, or tumble dry. The Khan fabric and zari border require gentle handling to preserve the weave structure and gold thread. Wash separately, as the deep crimson may bleed slightly in the first wash. Press flat to remove excess water and air dry in shade. Do not iron directly on the zari border — press the fabric body only on a low setting with a pressing cloth. About the Entrepreneur Manisha Chandrashekhar Khandekar has been creating beautiful and useful items from authentic khan/khun handloom fabric for many years. She started the business on a small scale from home and gradually grew it through creativity, hard work and attractive designs. She creates attractive handmade bags and various accessories from traditional khan/khun fabric. She also gives a beautiful modern touch to traditional art by using matching fabric straps and attractive acrylic handles.