Zardozi

The Zardosi style, which is often used to add a royal touch to fabric, is one of the finest embroidery techniques. Zardosi is a technique...  Read More

The Zardosi style, which is often used to add a royal touch to fabric, is one of the finest embroidery techniques. Zardosi is a technique for creating beautiful, intricate designs on cloth using metallic coated thread. Thin strands of gold, silver, or copper are typically used to make the thread. To create these intricate designs, the thread is held with a finger on the reverse of the fabric and the aari, a sharp-pointed needle, is held on top. Sewing on the fabric in intricate patterns, craftsmen use materials such as sequins, beads, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones. This exquisite embroidery style is now commonly used in bridal trousseaus Zardozi originated in Iran and was brought to India b y the Mughals. It is different from other embroidery techniques in a few ways: Materials: Zardozi embroidery uses a combination of gold and silver thread, sometimes interwoven with silk or other colorful threads. This gives the embroidery a very rich and luxurious look, which is different from other embroidery techniques that use single-colored thread. Techniques: Zardozi embroidery uses a combination of techniques such as couching, applique, and chain stitch. This creates a raised and three-dimensional effect on the fabric which is different from other embroidery techniques that are typically done in a flat manner. Designs: The designs used in Zardozi embroidery are often very ornate and elaborate, with a strong influence from Persian and Mughal art. They often depict floral and paisley patterns, as well as figurative designs such as birds and animals, which is different from other embroidery techniques that typically use simpler patterns. Applications: Zardozi embroidery is mainly used for decorating traditional Indian garments such as saris, lehengas, and sherwanis, as well as household items such as cushion covers and table runners. Expensive: Due to the use of gold and silver thread, and the intricate designs, Zardozi embroidery is considered as a luxury item and is relatively expensive compared to other embroidery techniques.   Show Less