Table of Contents – Embroidery Types
- Regional & Traditional Indian
- Bridal & Luxury Embellishments
- Modern / Fusion & Machine Styles
- Digital Thread Embroidery
- Cord Work Embroidery
- 3D Embroidery (Raised Work)
- Patchwork Embroidery
- Aari Embroidery (Hook Work)
- Machine Zari Work
- Lace Appliqué Embroidery
- Metallic Thread Embroidery
- Swarovski / Crystal Fusion Work
- Handcrafted Fusion (Beads + Sequins + Stones Mix)
- Contemporary Laser-Cut Embroidery
Regional & Traditional Indian
Kashmiri Embroidery (Kashida)
Kashmiri embroidery, or Kashida, is famous for its intricate floral motifs inspired by nature. Typically done with fine threads on wool or silk fabrics, it uses vibrant colors to create timeless elegance. Kashmiri shawls, sarees, and kurtas with Kashida work are prized worldwide.
Phulkari (Punjab)
Phulkari, meaning 'flower work', originates from Punjab. It uses colorful silk threads on coarse cotton to create bold floral patterns. Traditionally worn during weddings and festivals, Phulkari adds vibrancy and ethnic charm.
Kantha (Bengal)
Kantha embroidery is hand-stitched from Bengal, often using running stitches. It recycles old sarees into layered quilts and garments. Known for folk motifs and storytelling, Kantha is both sustainable and artistic.
Chikankari (Lucknow)
Chikankari from Lucknow is delicate white-on-white embroidery. Using shadow work, stitches, and floral patterns, it creates sheer elegance. Chikankari suits, sarees, and dupattas are globally loved for their subtle beauty.
Parsi Gara (Parsi Zardozi)
Parsi Gara embroidery is ornate handwork introduced by the Parsi community. Featuring motifs like birds, flowers, and creepers, it is done with silk threads on fine fabrics. Gara sarees are heirloom bridal treasures.
Kutchi & Mirror Work (Gujarat/Rajasthan)
Kutchi embroidery is vibrant with bold colors, intricate stitches, and mirror inlays. A craft from Gujarat and Rajasthan, it decorates lehengas, dupattas, and home décor, radiating folk culture.
Toda Embroidery (Tamil Nadu)
Toda embroidery is tribal handwork from Tamil Nadu. Characterized by red and black geometric patterns on white fabric, it is used in shawls and garments symbolizing tradition.
Sujni Embroidery (Bihar)
Sujni is a folk embroidery from Bihar done with simple stitches that narrate stories. It is commonly used in quilts, wall hangings, and ethnic attire, combining craft with culture.
Kasuti (Karnataka)
Kasuti embroidery is a geometric style from Karnataka. Created with meticulous hand-stitches, it decorates sarees and blouses with temple, floral, and chariot motifs.
Aabla Work (Rajasthan)
Aabla work uses small mirrors stitched with colorful threads. Popular in Rajasthani attire and home décor, it adds sparkle and festive charm to garments and accessories.
Bridal & Luxury Embellishments
Zardosi Embroidery
Zardosi is an age-old royal embroidery using metallic threads, sequins, and beads. Traditionally crafted on silk or velvet, it is a favorite for bridal lehengas and sherwanis, exuding opulence.
Dabka Work
Dabka embroidery uses coiled metallic wires to create raised patterns. Often combined with sequins and stones, it is perfect for luxurious bridal wear.
Sequins Work
Sequins embroidery involves sewing shiny discs on fabric to create sparkle. Ideal for evening gowns, lehengas, and festive outfits, it adds glamour and vibrance.
Stone & Crystal Work
Stone and crystal work uses shimmering embellishments to decorate sarees, lehengas, and gowns. It is popular for receptions and evening parties.
Beadwork / Moti Work
Bead or Moti work involves hand-stitching beads onto fabrics for decorative detailing. It is versatile and used in bridal and festive attire.
Pearl Embroidery
Pearl embroidery features lustrous pearls hand-sewn into fabrics. It adds sophistication and elegance, often seen in bridal sarees and gowns.
Thread Work (Resham Embroidery)
Thread or Resham embroidery uses colorful silk threads to create motifs. It is timeless and versatile, used across sarees, kurtas, and lehengas.
Cut Dana Work
Cut Dana involves attaching tiny cut glass beads onto fabric for sparkle. This embroidery style is popular in designer lehengas and dupattas.
Appliqué Work
Appliqué embroidery is done by stitching fabric pieces onto a base cloth to create designs. It adds texture and depth to ethnic outfits.
Velvet Appliqué with Zari
Velvet appliqué involves velvet patches outlined with zari embroidery. This creates a regal contrast, often used in sherwanis and lehengas.
Mirror & Shisha Embroidery
Mirror or Shisha embroidery uses mirrors stitched with colorful threads. It reflects light beautifully, enhancing festive and bridal attire.
Modern / Fusion & Machine Styles
Digital Thread Embroidery
Digital thread embroidery uses computerized machines to create precise, intricate patterns. It is scalable for bulk production of modern ethnic outfits.
Cord Work Embroidery
Cord work involves laying cords on fabric and stitching them to form raised patterns. It adds texture and elegance to gowns and sarees.
3D Embroidery (Raised Work)
3D embroidery uses layered stitches and embellishments to create raised, textured effects. It is popular in bridal couture and designer wear.
Patchwork Embroidery
Patchwork embroidery joins fabric patches with embroidery detailing, creating colorful and unique outfits. It combines sustainability with creativity.
Aari Embroidery (Hook Work)
Aari embroidery uses a hooked needle to create chain stitches. It is detailed and rich, commonly seen in bridal lehengas and sarees.
Machine Zari Work
Machine zari embroidery uses metallic threads sewn with machines. It provides the luxurious look of hand-zari at a more affordable price.
Lace Appliqué Embroidery
Lace appliqué embroidery involves attaching lace motifs onto fabric with delicate stitching. It adds femininity and charm to dresses.
Metallic Thread Embroidery
Metallic thread embroidery uses gold or silver threads to add shine. It is often combined with beads or sequins for bridal outfits.
Swarovski / Crystal Fusion Work
Swarovski stones and crystals are fused into embroidery designs for a sparkling luxury effect. Bridal couture frequently uses this style.
Handcrafted Fusion (Beads + Sequins + Stones Mix)
This embroidery combines beads, sequins, and stones to create intricate, glamorous designs. It is highly versatile for festive couture.
Contemporary Laser-Cut Embroidery
Laser-cut embroidery uses cut-out patterns enhanced with thread or beadwork. It merges modern technology with traditional aesthetics.