Embroidery- an ancient decorative art form of India that uses needles, threads, and pearls to embellish the fabric by adding a texture and pattern. Originally, Indian embroidery came into existence as the reconstruction of clothing but evolved as a popular decorative technique.
Its luxurious appearance on the fabric made it a symbol of wealth and elite status. Further, it adds a professional look to the outfit that cannot be achieved with other embellished crafts also contributing to making it popular.
Another reason that made it popular among youth is its feature of easy personalization. Embroidery can make every outfit, and accessory customised with a bit of imagination and lots of skills.
Types Of Embroidery Found Across The Country
Gotta Patti From Rajasthan
Gotta Patti also known as ‘Aari Tari’ is a famous embroidery of Indian state Rajasthan. With this technique, weavers embellished the fabric with satin thread woven with gold and silver ribbons known as gotta patti.
To prepare the fabric, chowk is marked on the fabric and then these designs are pasted on the fabric. Later, the borders of these designs are decorated with zari thread, beads, and stones.
The design of Gotta Patti is cut in various shapes and then decorated with vibrant thread which makes it unique and exclusive. Further, its versatility is also a unique feature of this craft. Shararas, sarees, blouses, and ghararas are the most popular dresses made from this embroidery style.
Zardosi From UP
This Indian embroidery style uses metal majorly with the combination of precious stone and pearls, and thread of gold and silver. To craft it weavers stretch it over wooden tools (adda). Then each element like gold or silver wire, metal stars, and sequins is pulled out through the needle and infused into fabric by pushing the needle back into the fabric.
This embroidery creates a fusion of metallic thread with sequins which is uncommon in embroidery. Bridal lehengas, Anarkali suits, sherwanis, and sarees are famous outfits made from zardosi embroidery.
Kantha From West Bengal
Kantha is done using two strands of thread to create geometric, floral, and other intricate patterns. To embellish the fabric, a design is drawn on the fabric which is decorated with running stitches. Later, the artist brings the needle up from the bottom of the surface and fills up the pattern with the same running stitches.
Further, the process is done on one surface which creates a simple running stitching look on the backside and a complex pattern on the front side. This art is very popular for outfits like dhotis, kurtas, hot pants, and sherwanis.
Pipli Applique-From Orissa
Locally known as ‘Chandua’, this technique starts with the cutting of coloured fabrics in different shapes and then pasting them on another fabric. Similarly to other embroidery crafts, applique was useful for the reuse of the fabric but evolved as needle art.
The art of layering fabric patches on another fabric with different shades is a unique feature of this craft. This temple art is mainly used to weave fabric for home decor products like wall hangings, cushion covers, curtains, and so on.
Lambadi From Andhra Pradesh
It is tribal art practised by the Banjara community of Andhra Pradesh. Artists draw the desired design on fabric and then select the thread shade contrasting with the fabric. Further, needlework is done by drawing sharp geometric patterns to form designs and decorating them with mirrors, coins, and shells.
Also, this Indian embroidery combines patchwork, applique, mirror, and threadwork which makes it stand out as a unique art form. Traditional outfits of Banjara tribes like choli, ghagra, blouses, dupatta, skirts, etc. prominently depict this embroidery.
Chikankari from UP
The Chikankari embroidery or Lucknawi chikan is worldwide framed embroidery art. This embroidery work is done on delicate muslin and cotton fabric with white thread. To craft it, Karigars printed the desired pattern with a wooden block, embroidered the fabric, and then washed the cloth to remove the traces of printing.
Meticulously crafting of white thread to create floral, vines, and creeper designs throughout the soft fabric made it popular worldwide. Chikankari Kurta is the most famous product of this art besides the saree, lehenga, dupatta, and suit.
Phulkari From Punjab
Originating in Punjab, Phulkari embroidery gives an eye-catching appearance to the fabric with bright colourful silk threads. This art is done on the reverse side of the fabric with the darn stitch in different floral and geometric designs. The vibrant threads and darn stitches are the unique features of this artwork. This traditional embroidery of India was limited to dupattas and shawls but now it is crafted on salwar, kurtas, sarees, and even juttis.
Kashida From Kashmir
Hailing from the valley of Kashmir, this art is known for its natural motifs woven on woolen clothes with a single thread and beads. Unlike the other skills, Kashida embroidery is practised by the menfolks. To embellish the fabric, weavers select the fabric and then use a tracing sheet on the material to practice needlework. During the processing, the detailing of the design is done carefully. Kashmiri shawls, woollen cardigans, rugs, table runners, and pashmina scarves are some of the most popular products of Kashida embroidery.
Finding A Huge Variety Of Embroidered Dresses Online/ Conclusion
Embroidery is one of the most loved and popular ancient fabric decoration art. Despite the many changes in the fashion world, it still maintains its charm. If you want to embellish your wardrobe with embroidery clothing, explore iTokri which is busted with a variety of Indian embroidery fabrics. To promote regional art our collection is handcrafted by local artisans who have exceptional level skills. Here, you can shop authentic embroidery crafts from different corners of India including Applique, Kashida, Chikankari, Phulkari, and so on with a smooth process. Put the desired art in the cart, choose a payment method, and get your order at your doorstep.
FAQ’s
What is the best way to maintain embroidered clothes?
The best way to maintain the embroidery fabric is to hand wash it with mild soap,
Do embroidered clothes last long?
Yes, with high-quality fabric and skilled threadwork, embroidered clothes can last forever.
Is iTokri a genuine site to shop from?
With a large variety of Indian crafts, iTokri is the most genuine site to buy Indian traditional handmade products. Here you will get an endless collection of beautiful designs crafted on high-quality fabric.
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