A select few people are toiling slowly and laboriously to produce handmade gifts for us in a time when everyone is preoccupied with achieving balance in their life. Speaking about such gems, needlework is one such art skill that is typically completed by hand or with the aid of machinery. Although handcrafted threadwork is significantly more expensive than machine-made embroidery, it is vastly dearer to the craftspeople because it requires days of sweat and toil.

India is the home of many various embroidery styles, with each state giving its own distinctive touch to this thread industry. A fine needle touching bright threads reveals a great deal about the flora, animals, beliefs, culture, and many other aspects of that area with hand-threadwork embroidery designs.

In this blog, we've attempted to go deeper into this magnificent art and examine some of India's most well-known embroidery styles:

  • AARI

Aari is a kind of needle with a hook at the tip that may be used to make attractive patterns on any sort of fabric. In the west, it is known as a Tambour hook, which functions very differently but creates patterns that are very similar. The Mughal emperors introduced this art to our nation, and states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi went on to become the principal centers of its production. Aari is often used in wedding and special event attire. Aari's work can give brilliance and beauty to practically any outfit since it uses silk threads to bind the sequins, pearls, and other motifs.

  • KASHIDAKARI

Kashmir is known for its kashida work, which is commonly seen on woollen clothing such as shawls, sarees, and cardigans. Thick-coloured threads that contrast with the colour of the backdrop fabric are used to create it even on fabrics like chiffon fabric. In Kashida embroidery, there are themes of birds, blossoms, leaves, and vines. Several of well-known designers frequently draw influence from Kashida's work and create some distinctive contemporary designs. 

  • PHULKARI

Phulkari, which is Punjabi for "flower work," is also practised in various areas of Rajasthan and Haryana. Previously, this type of art was only created for personal use and wasn't intended for sale.

We may now see phulkari embroidery on shawls, salwar suits, dupattas, jackets, bags, and juttis, among other items, thanks to government assistance. Furthermore, well-known designers like Sabyasachi, Gaurang Shah, and Manish Malhotra are frequently seen giving this traditional textile skill a contemporary twist.

  • REVERSE WORK

In the past, mirror work, which adds lustre to any plain garment, was employed to fend against evil eyes. The stitching of mirrors or things that resemble mirrors into cloth is a very popular form of this craft in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Mirrorwork is used to make beautiful curtains, pillowcases, cushion covers, hangings, and other items in addition to clothes.

  • ZARDOZI

A specialty of Uttar Pradesh, this needlework is also done in Delhi, Bhopal, Hyderabad, and other places. This technique dates back to the Mughal Empire when Zardozi embroidery was created with pearls, gemstones, gold, and silver threads, giving it a sumptuous and opulent appearance with cotton fabric online. Today's artisans employ other alternatives to make things more affordable. A dress at a wedding looks fantastic with zardozi embroidery. You can also look at Sonakshi Sinha's zardozi-embroidered statement blouse from the Kalank movie.

No matter how far we travel, we should never lose touch with our roots! The fashion industry is in fact operating under the same theory, and as a result, ongoing efforts are being made to bring these elaborate embroideries back to life and incorporate them into contemporary fashion.

Visit Fabrics by singhanias to get a wide selection of artisanal textiles and dupattas, as well as a stunning selection of Lucknowian Chikan, Kantha, Phulkari, and other embroideries, if you're wanting to create your own designs.