6 Indian Embroidery Styles for the Perfect Traditional Look

1. 6 Indian Embroidery Styles for the Perfect Traditional Look India is blessed with the myriad of customs, cultures, and religions and is truly a land of wonders. Age old crafts are one of the biggest treasures of our country. Indian embroideries are the hallmark of our culture! Inspired by various facets of our culture, particular regions have a signature style of embroidery which carries its own flavor. Be it the robust hand work of Gujarat or the subtle aari work of Kashmir, each embroidery comprises of unique style of stitches with a distinctive use of colour palette. Here’s our pick of some of the embroideries from the different parts of India that have been inspiring the designers throughout the world. Know all about these unique Indian embroideries!

2. 1. Chikankari This subtle art form has its origin in the Land of Nawabs, we are referring to Chikankari which is as delicate as it is unparalleled in elegance. This work can be done on various fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon and cotton etc. Use of gossamer fabrics make Chikankari apparels the ideal choice for summers and monsoons, letting your skin breathe. Chikankari clothes always spelt class and elegance for the ethnic wear lovers across the globe.

3. 2. Kantha Kantha is a popular style of embroidery that comes from West Bengal. It displays the skill and talent of the rural women in Bengal. This kind of embroidery truly marks a flair for style in any individual who wears it, while maintaining the appeal of comfort and leisure. Conventionally, the motifs used were of animals or birds, but now with modern-day designers, many are experimenting in designs inspired by cave arts, Egyptian murals, Hindu mythology and even pop art being illustrated through this fine stitch work.

4. 3. Phulkari The origins of Phulkari dates back to 15th century. Phulkari is the art of ‘explicit’ story telling. Vibrant colours of jute strings and motifs inspired by real life are signatory of this craft. This traditional art work has been flourishing in the heart of Punjab since centuries. The stitching is done on the reverse side of the fabric to mold the design on the front side of the cloth. The combination of bright colors on a light colored fabric gives the embroidery a vibrant look.

5. 4. Zardozi Zardozi has been adorning the wardrobe of Indian aristocracy since the Vedic times. Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver and gold wires. Today, real gold and silver has been replaced with wires of copper, with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread. Zardozi still occupies a special place in the fashion industry with embellished gowns and dresses making a recent come back.

6. 5. Kashmiri Aari Kashmiri embroidery has evolved over centuries with influence from many cultures like the Persians, Turks and beyond. Kashmiri embroidery is essentially a harmonious blend of charming flowers, fruits, and birds. Kashmiri Aari embroidery is a signature calling card of Kashmiri artisans who create it in fine, concentric rings of chain stitch using a special hooked needle known as ‘Aar’, similar to a crochet needle.

7. 6. Gotta Patti Work Ever heard of ‘Lappe ka kaam’? Our guess is NO. Gota patti work blossomed in Rajasthan as a form of ‘Lappe ka kaam’, also known as golden and silver applique embroidery in wider terms. Shapes (be it leaf or many more interesting shapes) cut out of gota are stitched in a multitude of designs to the give you the masterful embroidery you know as Gota Patti. Gotta Patti work is

8. mainly used in bridal lehengas or sarees. Clothes embroidered with Gota patti are exquisite, unique and made with lot of hard work and passion. Liked what you read? Indian ethnic wear is a true treasure trove of many such embroideries and handcrafts. If you are true connoisseur and wish to experience Indian crafts with the assurance of quality, do check out Kasturi- B’s ethnic wear collection which comes with the quality mark of Handloom Council of India.