06 Sep 2014 Hand Embroidery Art of India

Indian handicraft is considered the most intricately done crafts work in the world of handicrafts. It has stood the test of time from the ancient age to this very modern day also. Amongst all types of handicraft that have made this vast country, the Mecca of handicrafts, embroidery is one of the most popular form of it. Embroidery is mostly practiced on fabric but is not limited to fabric only. Patterns through needlework is also being practiced on leather as well.

Embroidery varies in terms of style, different regions and culture. Different types of embroidery work found all over India include  Mirror work, Zardozi, Gota and Kinari, Ari, Jaquered weaved, Applique, Phulkari, Bagh, Chamba Rumals, Chikankari, Kantha, Crewel, Banjara and Kasuti.

Mirror work Embroidered Shoulder Bag

Mirrorwork is predominantly a traditional embroidery pattern followed in Rajasthan and Gujarat and can be identified by use of tiny mirrors with colorful threads. A wide variety of shoulder bags, upholstery (cushion covers) and fashionable tops (kurtas) also gets knitted in this style.

Ari Embroidered Silk Cushion Covers

The Ari embroidery, a popular type of needlework in Gujarat has been maintained and nurtured for many generations by the ‘Mochi’ embroiders of Kutch and Saurashtra. Ari works are really heavy on stitches and often you will find typical Indian floral motifs in contrasting base colors.

Applique Embroidered Cotton Cushion Covers

Appliqué is an embroidery pattern that encompasses traditional and contemporary designs. This is a stitching style where smaller cloth pieces get stitched over a larger monocolor fabric.

Jari Embroidered Silk Cushion Covers

When we speak of Indian embroidery, we can never surpass the contribution of zari embroidery on the stitching arena. From dresses to sarees to upholstery, you can name anything and the elegant zari work is there for you. Zari work adds a touch of grandeur, class into any ambiance.

Hand Embroidered Cotton Wall Mount

Another most sought after embroidery work in India is the Kantha stitch. Kantha stitch is a pattern traced in a running stitch with short gaps exploring motifs of birds, flowers and animals on both cotton and silk. Kantha items include wall mounts of forest scene, flower and bird pattern and cushion covers of the stitch work on tasar silk fabric.

Hand Embroidered Silk Wall Decoration

If you are an ardent fan of embroidery, then India is the place to start your search. Indian embroidery is not only varied but also beautiful in every way. So try your hands at Indian embroidery. Things and items of daily use that are often overlooked can make you stop and cast a long, admiring second look if presented the right way with embroidered holdings.