Government of IndiaEmbroidery
An ancient Indian art involving the process of decorating fabric with materials like threads, pearls, beads, quills and sequins. The fabrics and decorating material used in traditional embroidery vary from region to region.
Danka Embroidery, Rajasthan
Danka embroidery is a centuries-old metal embroidery from Rajasthan. The term Danka is used to refer to small pieces of metal (originally gold or silver). The fabric is stretched on a wooden frame and the danka pieces are stitched on it as per the design with strands of gold and silver strands. Around eight stitches are made to secure the danka pieces in a knot.
Gota Patti, Rajasthan
In Gota Patti, the designs are first printed on the fabric by placing a tracing sheet on the cloth with patterns punched on it. Cloth stripes of cotton and metal, known as Gota, are woven separately and cut into small shapes. These are then stitched on the clothes to form the required designs.
Heer Bharat, Gujarat and Rajasthan
Also known as Banni, in this style of embroidery the designs are filled with threadwork. It is done with a buttonhole or double satin stitch technique using cotton or woolen threads. Small pieces of mirrors of different sizes are used with this embroidery.
Soof Embroidery, Gujarat
Practised in the Kutch region of Gujarat, this style of embroidery makes use of triangle designs. The motifs are not drawn, rather carefully counted on fabric by the artisan and worked in reverse. At times, mirror work or shisha is also combined with the designs, giving the fabric a rich look.
Aari Embroidery,
Aari embroidery is specifically done on a stretched fabric. The needle, with a hook at the end, is called an aari. The stitching is done with silver or golden threads known as zari, and is embellished with beads and stones.
Chamba Rumal, Himachal Pradesh
It is a very old thread embroidery which is done on square rumal or a handkerchief. It is a gift item given especially during marriages. The motifs on it get the inspiration from flora and fauna of the Himalayan region and Pahari paintings of Lord Krishna.
Zardozi, Uttar Pradesh
Zardozi is a type of heavy metal embroidery on velvet, satin and silk fabrics. Gold and silver threads are used to create designs along with pearls, beads, stones etc. Earlier, real gold and silver was used but now gilded wires are used for this embroidery.
Kantha, West Bengal
Kantha embroidery is executed on layers of old clothes stitched together, traditionally old white cotton saris. On this, different coloured threads are embroidered using the simple running or chain stitch. Motifs used are flowers, birds, animals etc.
Pipli Applique, Orissa
In this technique, pieces of fabric are cut and folded into little shapes and then stitched on the base fabric. It is further decorated with mirror and thread work. The motifs are geometric, abstract and stylized.
Sujani, Bihar
It is a thread embroidery which is traditionally carried out on layers of old white cotton saris that are stitched together in white thread. The motif is inspired from daily life. The embroidery layout is such that each piece of Sujani tells a story.
Lambadi, Andhra Pradesh
This is basically a thread embroidery done over a base fabric of red or blue color. Further embellishments are done using mirrors, cowrie shells, silver trinkets, beads and coins. It is usually done by women.
Kasuti, Karnataka
In this technique, multi colored cotton threads are embroidered on the base fabric. It is usually executed by women. The motifs get their inspiration from religion, architecture, flora, fauna and objects of daily use.
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