Handwork & Embroideries

From ancient times, with the development of civilization and culture, decorative clothing and jewelry have become an essential part of social life. Here, we are talking about some of the most popular handworks, which are used to beautify the garments (especially in Indian perspective). These are popular on special occasions wedding, parties, etc.

Types of Embroideries:

Zardosi Work:

This pattern is performed with needle and Aari-Hook, using golden, silver and multicolored metal threads on fabric to give the appearance of true embroidery. It is the Queen of all handworks on Garments, originally created for Royal families. In modern times, it is the first choice for Richness and Glitter. For Bridal Wears, this is among the first choices.

Mukesh Work:

It is different type of Handwork, neither using threads, nor needle. Only by use of flat metal wire (called Mukeish/Badla) on Sarees, likes the twinkling stars in a clear sky.  
Generally the work is done in the form of small dots, but to give a fancy & rich look sometimes other techniques are also employed, giving shapes of flowers & leafs etc. Most popular is the silver work, but now-a-days antique, copper & other colored Mukaish is also in trend.

Gota – Patti Work:

This is centuries old typical traditional work from Rajasthan and named after the capital JAIPUR.      
‘GOTA’ is a kind of ribbon, woven on hand-looms, using mainly very fine flat metal instead of yarn. In Real Gota, Silver & Gold metals are used. But in routine, the base metal is copper, coated by Silver etc.              
In latest developments the copper has been replaced by Polyester film; it has good resistance to moisture & does not tarnish as compared to metal-based ‘GOTA’. ‘GOTA’ is available in different width. And with help of materials like Dori, Sitara, Kundan etc., artistic works are created by artisans.   
There is no better choice than ‘Gota Work’ when Rich & Heavy look is desired in Light weight.

Paarsi work:

This Hand-Embroidery originates from the Persian people. Rich and colorful work in silky threads is the result of this detailed work. It is a very fine & time taking Handwork. Hence, a bit costlier.
The Parsi work mainly incorporates two types of designs, one is rich in flowers and other highlights the figures of Birds, etc.

Kashmiri Work:

Kashmiri work has a rich color spectrum and exquisite workmanship with beautifully composed designs depicting common local symbols like the chinar leaf, the grape, the cherry, plum, apple blossom, lily, the saffron flower and various birds of the region.

Phulkari  Work:

The Punjab-Haryana specialty called the Phulkari (flowered work) is traditionally worked on coarse cotton in red or blue or flossed silk. One can find the scenes from Krishna Leela and other religious subjects, depicted in the dark silk embroidered 'rumals' of Chamba.

Kasuti Work:

Karnataka's Kasuti is famous for sketching of religious themes. They make use of backstitch, the running stitch, the cross-stitch and the zigzag running stitch on handwoven cloth, using brighter colors like red, purple, green and orange.

Chikan Work:

The practice of the famous Chikan work is now centered at Lucknow (U.P.) and Gaya (Bihar) This Chikan work dates back its origin to the royal courts of Oudh. This is done with white cotton on a fine white muslin base using a variety of stitches minutely worked together with knotted stitches resulting in designs with raised surfaces. The creation of 'jali' or the net effect is one of its specialties.

Kantha Embroidery:

The 'Kantha' Embroidery of Bengal makes imaginative use of waste rugs, which are sewn on a base with simple running stitches to form motifs.

Tribal embroidery:

The tribal embroidery is a class by itself with a wide range and varied style and composition. It generally features bright colors and simple motifs. They are often freehand, with no signs of being marked, or necessarily symmetrical. They are usually done with colored thread, and the types of stitches, subject matter, and layout define the tribes who produced them. Among the most colorful works is the work of the Lambadi and Banjara tribes. The Nilgiris' 'Toda embroidery' is also distinctive.

Shisha Embroidery:

A tribal technique, Shisha mirror embroidery is the process of attaching tiny mirrors to a textile, usually in combination with other types of tribal stitches.

Bandhani: Bandhani is traditional art-work created with a concept of Tie-Dye.

Kundan Work: Kundan are Indian gem stones which are placed on the sarees to give a jewelry effect.

Chikankari: Chikankari work is fine white cotton thread embroidery which is usually created in paisley or floral patterns.

Pitha Work: Pitha work is a traditional handcraft with golden or silver threads that are pressured to give an ethnic look to sarees.

Resham work: Resham work is where silk threads are used to hand-embroider various designs and motifs.

Sequins Work: Sequins are disk-shaped beads used for decorative purposes. They are available in a wide variety of colors and geometrical shapes.

Bead Work: Bead work is a small, decorative object that is usually pierced for threading or stringing.

Applique work : the art of embellishing a fabric or article of clothing with other pieces of fabric sewn on with concealed or decorative stitches or glued also used to create designs with braid, ribbons and other trimmings.