A Detailed Guide To Chikankari Embroidery Stitches

You must have seen celebrities step out of the airport in serene white chikankari kurti, that effortlessly add femininity and grace to their looks! Chikankari is the go-to choice for so many fashion experts and celebrity stylists, and for the right reason - this traditional Indian embroidery work can make you look gorgeous without any effort.

But what is it that makes Chikankari stitch so mesmerising? How can you achieve the seamlessly flawless and feminine look that all these celebrities have? By the time you finish reading this blog, you will have all these answers.

Overview of Chikankari Embroidery Stitches

Originating in the 17th century Awadh, the art form of Chikankari has been impressing queens and princesses for the past 4 centuries. But what makes chikankari embroidery so special? The secret is in the stitches! 

The meticulous stitching techniques and the fine and delicate floral patterns showcase the skill of artisans, many of whom have passed down the craft through generations. The fact that chikankari embroidery can only be done by hand and cannot be replicated by a machine makes it even more special and graceful.

5 Types Of Chikankari Stitches

Chikankari has become a symbol of elegance and sophistication, mainly because of the beautiful stitches used in Chikankari. Let us have a look at the different types of chikankari stitches: 

1. Bakhiya Stitch

One of the most commonly seen stitches in Chikankari, Bakhiya, or shadow work, involves stitching on the reverse side of the fabric so that the outline appears as a shadow on the front. It gives a delicate look to the fabric. 

Used in:

• Bakhiya stitch is used mainly to give life to the flowers and leaves. 
• You can often find this type of stitch on cotton fabric.

2. Phanda Stitch

Phanda stitch is made from small, round knots that resemble tiny pearls. Basically, it gives a tiny bumpy texture to the embroidery. 

Used in:

• This stitch is used for making intricate flowers or buds.
• It is mostly used to make gorgeous dupattas or sarees.

3. Jaali Stitch

The Jaali chikankari stitch design creates a mesh-like, see-through effect that gives Chikankari its signature feminine and delicate look. The jaali stitch requires very skilled artisans as it requires creating spaces between the threadwork without cutting the fabric. 

4. Keel Stitch

The most common chikankari stitch design is the Keel stitch. Keel stitch is a small, pointed stitch that is often used to create leaf or petal shapes. What makes this stitch so unique is that it can mimic or copy the natural curve of leaves. 

5. Ghaspatti Stitch

As the name suggests, the ghaspatti stitch is typically used to mimic grass or foliage. It is used to add a natural, textured look to the embroidery. This basically acts as a filler between flowers or leaves. 

Applications of Chikankari Embroidery

When you think of Chikankari embroidery, you immediately think of clothes. But the application of chikankari embroidery is far more diverse than just clothing items. 

• Fashion

You can see different types of chikankari stitches in ethnic clothes like chikankari kurtis for women, kurta sets, sarees, and dupatta. But chikankari stitch design is not limited to traditional clothes. You can also find shirts, tops, and co-ord sets with Chikankari embroidery stitches. 

• Home Decor

Chikankari embroidery is also used in home decor items like cushion covers, sofa covers, and lamp-shades. You can also get curtains with Chikankari stitch.

Conclusion

Chikankari is not just an embroidery, it is an art form. The sad part is that very few artists still pursue this art because they are not earning a living due to fast fashion and machine-made clothes. It is important to support artists and buy authentic chikankari clothes.

You can find authentic chikankari outfits from the House of Chikankari. Here, you can get a variety of chikankari embroidered festive wear for women and short kurta for men. Whether you need kurtis for Diwali or suit for karwa chauth, you can find the best-quality Indian ethnic clothes from HOC.  

Frequently Asked Questions On Chikankari Stitches

How many types of stitches are used in Chikankari?

There are 5 types of chikankari stitches that are majorly used in Chikankari.

Which Chikankari stitch is the easiest for beginners?

Straight stitch is considered the easiest for beginners in all the stitches used in chikankari. 

Can Chikankari stitches be done on thicker fabrics?

Chikankari stitches are mostly done of light fabrics like cotton, mulmul or muslin. You cannot do chikankari embroidery on thick fabrics.