India is known as the nation of wonders because of its diverse cultures, customs, and religions. Traditional embroidery, which can be seen on every Indian Ethnic Wear clothing, is one of the country’s most acceptable assets that enchant everyone. Indian embroideries come in a wide range of styles and regional craftsmanship. Many famous embroideries are state-specific specialties, such as Rajasthan’s gold block print and gold embroidery known as Gota–Patti. West Bengali Kantha embroidery, Kashmiri kashida or Resham embroidery, etc.
The world is loved by Traditional Embroideries of India, which humble crafters foster in India’s hinterlands. While India is home to a vast range of embroidery styles, we’ve chosen a handful that has impacted generations of artists worldwide.
Here is the list of the Top 5 Embroideries of India.
Gota-Patti Embroidery Work :
Gota Work is a form of Indian metal embroidery which is popular in the state of Rajasthan. It is popularly also Gota Patti work, Lappe ka Kaam, and Gota Kinara work. Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, and Kota are the hubs of distinctively styled Gota craftsmanship. Gota is a gold or silver ribbon or strip woven on various fabrics such as georgettes, chiffons, Kota Doria, etc.
Earlier metals such as gold, silver, and copper are used to create multiple designs on the fabric. With the increase in demand, the use of these metals is replaced with faux borders and laces. Comparing it with the original, the Gota work is accessible and affordable to every woman. The famous embroidery of India is commonly utilized in traditional clothing, and females want gotta work in both colorful and pastel sarees. Without a Gota Patti, a bride’s trousseau is never complete.
Zardozi Embroidery Work:
Zardozi which is commonly known as zari or tinsel embroidery. It uses gold and silver threads to create designs and borders on heavy fabrics such as velvet, georgette, and net. On a tracing sheet, the theme or pattern is first traced, and the sheet is then placed on a wooden frame known as the “Adda” once the drawing is finished. The needlework is performed with the assistance of a wooden stick known as the Aari.
Zardozi embroidery gained popularity during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the 17th century. With the decrease of royal sponsorship, it began to decline. Later, the Indian government took measures to encourage this labor and, as a result, to maintain this age-old Indian Embroidery practice that requires a great deal of effort and talent.
Resham Embroidery Work :
The most frequent ornament on Indian clothing such as saris, salwar suits, and lehengas is made from this famous Resham embroidery. Flowers, leaves, paisley, and other motifs created by sewing colored cotton or nylon yarns and threads through a needle. Embroideries are a great way to see Indian tradition and culture. These Resham embroideries may be seen on Kashmiri, Kathiawar, Chikankari, Phulkari, and Kantha work in India.
Resham needlework was traditionally done entirely by hand. However, with the invention of machine embroidery, Resham embroidery is now done authentically in very few areas. Cotton, georgette, silk, pashmina, and other knit fabrics look beautiful with Resham embroidered motifs. Resham embroidery adds elegance and charm to a piece that already has a lot of it.
Kathiawar Embroidery Work:
Kathiawar embroidery began in Gujarat with bright Resham embroidery. Popular motifs like flowers, peacocks, elephants, and trees are used in the Kathiawar Embroidery. It is also known as the Kutch embroidery. Authentic Lehengas, skirts, cholis, wall hangings, and mojadis embellished with Kathiawar needlework.
Kutch embroidery work is famous in the Kutch and Saurashtra districts, where local artists produce the most innovative and elegant patterns from this traditional embroidery of India. Kutch embroidery includes everything from mirrors and beads to Abhala stitching and the use of brightly colored silk threads, ornates and embellishes the whole cloth. The exquisite motifs of Kutch embroidery are a homage to the Rabaris, a nomadic tribe that created one of the traditional embroideries in India.
Chikankari Embroidery Work:
Lucknow is the birthplace of Chikankari embroidery. Chikan translates to ’embroidery.’ The Mughals thought to have introduced this classic needlework style, one of the most ancient and well-known art styles. Modern embroidery techniques lack the subtle, sophisticated quality that handcrafted chikankari embroidery provides.
The design is the most crucial aspect of the Chikhankari embroidery. While motifs have been added to make it appear more luxurious, it is still a simple and economical fabric option.