5 Types of Indian Hand Embroidery One Should Know

India is a country which is blessed with a myriad of cultures, customs, and religions. One of the greatest treasures of the country is its art and craft. Be it dance, music or paintings-the melting pot of the cultures has given us some of the best craft forms. One such craft is the Indian embroidery. India is a country of craftsmanship and when we talk about craftsmanship we cannot miss out hand embroidery. Hand embroidery is one of the biggest highlights of fashion designers dwelling in India. Starting from kantha to chikankari India is rich in all types of hand embroidery. Kantha- Kantha is one of the oldest and traditional embroidery styles practiced in Bengal and Odisha. This kind of embroidery is normally practiced by rural women. Kantha is done normally done on soft dhotis and sarees with a simple running stitch along the edges. This embroidery can be identified with works of birds, animals, flowers and everyday activities in a running stitch format. Other than garments you also get dress materials, bed covers, wall hangings, etc. Kantha Hand embroidery Zardozi- Zardozi is an ancient art of sewing gold and silver threads on a fabric. Zardozi is derived from the Lands of Persia. Previously zardozi work was done on garments of the Indian emperors. The craftsmen used gold, silver as well as pearls and precious stones on the garments to give it a royal look. On the other hand today's, zardozi work includes embroidered work done with copper wire with silver or gold polish and silk threads. Zardozi embroidered work always gives any garment a royal look. zardosi hand embroidery Aari – Aari is one of the most famous forms of Kashmiri embroidery. This is done in fine, concentric rings of chain stitched using a long hooked needle called as the crewel. This is the reason aari embroidery is also known as crewel work. Aari Work Mirror Work- Mirror work is most popularly known as shisha work which is a popular craft from Gujarat and Rajasthan. This particular craft stands out because it is made with mirror and colourful threads. Small pieces of mirrors of various shapes and sizes stitched in between colourful embroidery. Clothes having to mirror work are must-haves for Navratri festivals. Mirror work Chikankari- Chikankari is an art which is from the land of Tehzeeb and Nazaaquat- Lucknow. Chikankari is an intricate and delicate embroidery form. A Chikan piece pattern is created by block printing patterns on it. Traditionally chikankari began as a type of white-on-white embroidery work but now the craftsmen use various coloured threads and fabrics to do this particular type of art. Chikankari To know more about Indian fashion, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Download our magazine Spunky Indian for exclusive stories from India.