When thread becomes an art!

Whoever said ‘old is gold’ was a genius! We have whole heartedly accepted the western fashion but the exclusivity of the traditional products cannot be surpassed. Traditional Indian handwork has a flavour of different regions and its handmade factor makes every product unique. Our country has a very rich variety of handwork and handicrafts. Here are a few popular forms of Indian embroidery. 

Chikan Embroidery - Hailing from the city of nawabs, Chikankaari is a very prominent embroidery work. Traditionally it was done using white yarns on colourless muslins but today the choice of material has diversified. Youkan now pick up a Chikankaari work for you on the material of your choice – chiffon, georgette, cotton and others. This form of embroidery involves intricate detailing and delicate work. From clothing to now home furnishings, the popularity of this embroidery has only become more widespread

Toda Embroidery – Distinctive and intricate, Toda embroidery hails from the southern state of Tamil Nadu.  Nilgiri Hills are home to many tribes, one of them being the Todu community. They have a specific style known as the pugur which mean flower and their traditional costume is called poothkuli. It is pre dominated by red and blank bands, using long continuous length wise bands. 

Mirror work – Who doesn’t like a little bling! Mirror work originates from Rajasthan where people are spotted wearing vibrant clothes. The mirror work adds a whole lot of vibrancy to the entire fabric and work because along with the shiny stuff it also involves work of bright threads. 

Kutch embroidery – Also known as Sindhi stitch, Kutch embroidery has its roots in Gujrat. Traditionally this embroidery was used by village women to stitch their own clothes and for their families to bring in the festivities. This form of embroidery has a very detailed and spread across the area presentation and is a preferred form for home furnishings. Kutch embroidery has various different forms but a very popular one is Ari embroidery which is done with silk threads using a hook

Kasuthi – This is a traditional form of embroidery that can be spotted in Karnataka. This includes designing patterns like palanquin, gopura, chariot, lamps and conch shells. This involves intricate and laborious thread work and you will usually spot these on Kanchivaram sarees

Kantha – Talk of Kantha work and beautiful folk and floral motifs along with animal and bird patterns. This type of embroidery is practiced in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Kantha sarees are very popular and loved for its work.

Phulkari – If it is from Punjab then it is a given fact that it will be vibrant and exciting. As the name suggests, Phulkari embroidery includes bright colour on flower motifs. This embroidery covers the entire fabric.

Kashmiri embroidery – Coming from the heaven on Earth, Kashmiri embroidery is the epitome of colours and exceptionally beautiful patterns. You can adorn your favourite Kashmiri embroidery product in various forms- shawls, jackets, phirans, bags, scarfs, sarees and more. A lot of pastel shades are used in this along with the bright ones. So there is something to suit every woman’s taste.

If you haven’t yet, then start building your collection of these exclusive embroideries!

-Alisha