Embroidery Types

We at Kallidora, work exclusively on hand-embroidered pieces of art. Our Kaarigars have been trained with years of experience on working on different forms of embroideries that involve, thread, sequins, glass-ceramic-wooden beads, metal sheets and cylinders, zari and satin ribbons, stones, wires, bone-frames and a variety of other materials.

The garment silhouette is patterned by the Master that is trained in pattern-making and the fabric is mounted on wooden frames called “addaa” to trace the outlines of the garment silhouette. The designs or motifs are thereafter traced on the fabric to print the outlines that gets filled with embroidery. To observe our master craftsmen at work is treat to the eye.

The videos snippets of such gorgeous pieces of art taking shape from the beginning are coming up soon.

Parsi Gaara

Mirror-work or Kutch-work

Chikankaari and Mokaish

Parsi Gaara

This is an Indian form of laborious silk thread embroidery with Persian heritage and Chinese origin. The motifs and borders are hand-embroidered predominantly with pastel shades of silk threads in several hues to create a three-dimensional effect. Parsi Gara embroidery are widely used for bridal outfits. Flowers, fruits, birds, animals and paisleys are the bases of this form of embroidery.

Zardozi

Zardozi is a an elaborate and heavy metal hand embroidery mostly done on silk, satin, crepe or velvet base. Zardozi designs are created using gold and silver threads and can incorporate pearls, beads, and precious stones. Initially, this craft was done with pure silver wires and real gold leaves. Designer labels use zardozi as the medium of embroidery for bridal and formal occasions.

Kundan-work

Kundans are tiny stones that are used in making jewellery. These are available in shades of emerald green, ruby red, turquoise and white. Kundan embroideries on fabrics are mostly done in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra and Tamil Nadu for elaborate necklines and sleeve detailing on bridal outfits. Kundan stones are glued to the fabric and then encrusted with dubkaa or metal wires to hold them in place. A laborious form of hand-embroidery meant for royalty.

Kaantha-work

Patterns and motifs embroidered by hand, mostly in cotton threads in tiny running stitches to create a cluster effect to define motifs, borders and print patterns is called Kaantha work. This form of embroidery was used to stitch rugs and quilts for enhancing the beauty of their otherwise mundane looks. Kaantha embroideries are now done on coats, jackets, sarees, kurtas, stoles and wall pieces for glamour quotient. Originated from the Eastern belt of the country, now popular, the world over.

Gota-patti

Gota work or gota-patti is a Rajasthani form of embroidery. The tiny pieces of flattened gota are used by applique technique to create floral, paisleys or geometrical motifs and borders. The zari woven ribbons are applied onto the fabric with the edges sewn down by doris to create elaborate patterns. Gota embroidery is used extensively in South Asian wedding and formal clothes. There are mirrors, sequins, kundans and zardozi motifs incorporated in this art form to add dimensions to it as the material used is flat.

Mirror-work or Kutch-work

Gota work or gota-patti is a Rajasthani form of embroidery. The tiny pieces of flattened gota are used by applique technique to create floral, paisleys or geometrical motifs and borders. The zari woven ribbons are applied onto the fabric with the edges sewn down by doris to create elaborate patterns. Gota embroidery is used extensively in South Asian wedding and formal clothes. There are mirrors, sequins, kundans and zardozi motifs incorporated in this art form to add dimensions to it as the material used is flat.

Chikankaari and Mokaish

Chikankaari is a very delicate and artfully done hand embroidery with a base of tiniest running stitches, blanket and herringbones on a variety of textile fabric like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, etc. Cream or white thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments. This form of art originated in Lucknow and was synonymous with the Nawaabs and royalty.

Mokaish, Baadla or Kaamdaani work is where the wire attached to a small length of thread is pulled through the fabric with a needle, beautifully working into motifs. The metal sheet is beaten and flattened to create a single-dimension effect. This is also referred to as 'fancy kaam'. This form of embroidery is fast becoming a rarity and most of the craftsmen are elderly men from the northern part of the country and is slowly getting rare to find.

Chikankaari and mokaish is often combined on fabrics to offset plain threads work with the glitz and glamor of metallic shades.