Types of traditional embroidery that is exclusive to India

 

Embroidery in India has a history and has come a long way. With changing trends and fashion, these embroideries have also evolved. No matter what and how the embroidery is done, it always leaves a lasting impression.

Let us take a look on few of India’s embroidery techniques:

Chikankari

Originated in the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow! This embroidery was traditionally done on a white cloth with white threads. Now, Chikankari work can be found on multiple fabrics and in various colours and types like designer embroidery saree.

Chikankari is a skill acquired through heritage. This embroidery is done by tracing the patterns traced on various clothes like Muslin, georgette, chanderi, cotton, silk etc.

Zardozi

Zardosi was introduced by Mughals in the 16^th century. The word zardozi came from the parsi word, meaning- zar(gold) and dosi(embroidery).

Earlier metallic threads like gold and silver were used on the velvet or silk cloth. To reduce the cost, zardozi is now done with the help of coloured plastic threads. Zardosi work can be seen in embroidered sarees, suits, lehengas etc.

Aari

The name aari came from the needle that is hooked and sharp. This embroidery was introduced by Mughals and are now practiced in Lucknow, Kashmir and Rajasthan.

The aari embroidery is done by using hooked needle to make chain stitch loops, usually using beads and sequins. This is a very intricate work as can be seen on embroidered saree online in India. If you look at it once, you will know the time and efforts it must have taken.

Kantha

Originated from east Indian states like West Bengal, Odisha and Tripura, chiefly practiced by rural women. Even if you will look at kantha work on latest embroidered saree, it will represent its roots by patterns and design.

The motifs of the embroidery include- flower, animals, celestial creatures and geometric patterns. Earlier Kantha embroidery was only done on bedsheets, cushions and household items but with gaining popularity, it is now practiced on dupttas for both male and female.

Few other famous and intricate Indian embroideries are-

·        Gota

·        Banjara

·        Phulkari

·        Toda

·        Kashmiri

Sheer Sarees for Sheer Elegance

 

In the recent years, we have witnessed saree becoming not just favorite amongst Indians but also worldwide. With such world-wide influence, embroidered sarees have also seen a shift from being just ethnic to becoming a fashion trend. One such influence is new ‘sensual’ saree, net sarees.

There are so many designers who working on sheer fabrics, to make designer embroidery saree. Unlike silk or cotton, they are made using sheer or net fabric, can sometimes be even lace. It gives them unique look and feel.

Net is a kind of fabric; its yarns are knotted at the intersections to create tiny holes. This is not something from Indian Textile but are brought in India by western traders.

Initially, the net was used to create dupattas or veils but in recent years, if we look at embroidered saree online in India, we will see net sarees dominating the market. For sure, nothing can over shadow our traditional silk and cotton sarees but a little change sometimes is always welcomed.

So, we can say that the net sarees are not typically Indian but retain similar beauty and grace.

How can you style a net saree?

Okay, since it is still new in Indian market, some women and people who loves to wear a saree might find it difficult to style.

Let me tell you, the best thing about net sarees is that you can always glam it up and down, as per your requirement. If you look at latest embroidered sarees, you will find that they come in various styles and can be heavy and light embroidered. For a net saree, it is always advised to go for a lightly embroidered saree. For a day event, you can wear it with a matching plain petticoat and contrasting blouse for a pop of color. For a night event, you can wear a sequined or glittery petticoat/underskirt and matching heavy blouse. The underskirt will peep through and it will create such a nice effect in person also in the pictures. You will stand out in the crowd.

Why be scared, now you can own a net saree and it will own you!

 

Meta Description:  Embroidered sarees have also seen a shift from being just ethnic to becoming a fashion trend.