The motifs of maheshwari saris have been derived from the temple carving and the carving of the palace built by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. Rani lived near the banks of Narmada.

Maheshwari saris are woven by men as well as women folks. The weaving done is intricate with geometric designs with no motifs on the body of the saris. Weaving is done with a fine silk warp and cotton weft. Lines play a vital role as vertical stripes, and large checks are woven to shape up the pattern.