Chikankari embroidery is a centuries-old craft that originated in Lucknow, India. At Aleza Clothing Australia, we embrace this intricate handcraft by carefully stitching delicate patterns onto luxurious fabrics like cotton, silk, and georgette. Here’s an overview of the Chikankari embroidery process, which transforms these fabrics into beautiful works of art.
The artisan begins the Chikankari embroidery process by transferring the intricate design onto the fabric. This is done using water-soluble ink or tracing paper. In some cases, the design may be sketched directly onto the fabric by hand, while in others, a printed pattern or outline is traced onto the fabric. The water-soluble ink or tracing paper helps guide the artisan’s stitches while ensuring the design remains visible throughout the embroidery process. Once the design is transferred, the artisan can begin stitching, carefully following the pattern to bring the design to life. The use of water-soluble ink ensures that any leftover markings can be easily washed away, leaving only the beautiful, intricate embroidery behind.
Skilled artisans use several types of stitches to create the intricate patterns in Chikankari embroidery. The most common stitches are the flat stitch, backstitch, and chain stitch.
The flat stitch is used to fill in larger areas and create smooth, even lines. It is often used to outline delicate patterns and add depth to the design.
The backstitch creates bold, defined lines and is often used to outline shapes like flowers or geometric patterns. It helps make the design stand out.
The chain stitch forms a looped, braided effect and is used to add texture to the design. It’s often used for flower petals, leaves, and finer details.
Each stitch is done carefully to make sure the threads are evenly spaced and consistent. The result is a neat, uniform pattern. These stitches, along with the artisan’s skill, bring the beautiful and detailed designs of Chikankari embroidery to life.
Once the design outline is stitched, the artisan fills in the patterns with additional stitches to add depth and texture. Different stitches, like flat, satin, and stem stitches, are used to create varied effects. Larger areas are filled with flat stitches for smoothness, while smaller sections use intricate stitches for detail. The artisan adjusts stitch length and density to create texture variations, giving the design a dynamic, 3D effect. This careful process ensures the embroidery is balanced, with harmonious patterns that make the design stand out.
Once the embroidery is finished, the fabric is carefully washed to remove any residual design transfer ink. This step is crucial for ensuring that the fabric is free from any marks or unwanted stains. The washing process also helps soften the fabric, making it more comfortable to wear and enhancing the overall quality of the embroidery. After washing, the fabric is gently pressed to smooth out any wrinkles and restore its crisp appearance. The embroidered fabric is then meticulously inspected for any flaws or imperfections, ensuring that the design is flawless. Only once it passes this quality check is the fabric ready to be incorporated into the final garment. This finishing process ensures that the embroidered pieces not only look beautiful but feel luxurious and ready for wear.
This labour-intensive process demands exceptional skill, precision, and patience. Depending on the complexity of the design, it can take several days or even weeks to complete. The outcome is a beautifully crafted piece of clothing, embellished with intricate Chikankari embroidery that reflects a perfect blend of elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship. Each stitch contributes to the creation of a timeless masterpiece, showcasing the artisans’ dedication and attention to detail.