Lucknow city plays a significant role in retelling India’s history and culture. A blend of modern values and traditional culture with architectural masterpieces, mouthwatering Mughal cuisine, and excellent art of Chikankari embroidery, Lucknow has much to offer. Chikankari is one of the few art pieces of this Nawabi city that is hard to replicate. Today, we will share the art and history behind Chikankari embroidery. And, if you want designer kurtis at wholesale price, visit AKS-Clothing. 


History of Chikankari

Chikankari is a special kind of fabric embroidery introduced by the Mughals in the 17th century. However, its mention has existed since the 3rd century. In the beginning, Chikankari was handcrafted on white muslin fabric with white threads by women artisans. The embroidery was and still remains classy, subtle, and rich, that can be worn on any occasion. It is believed that Noor Jahan, the Mughal empress, herself was a trained Chikankari embroiderer. Jahangir soon became captivated by the handcraft, and thus he set up many workshops and workers to refine the embroidery. 

While you can find Chikankari artwork across India, the quality and finesse can be found only in the lanes of Lucknow. 


How Chikankari Kurtas are Made?

Making a chikankari outfit is lengthy and painstaking, which happens to be a 3-step process – block printing, stitching, and washing. 

The design to be embroidered is printed on the fabric using fabric ink. After which, artisans frame a part of the fabric at a time to embroider the design. There are 8 types of chikankari stitches. The duration may take hours to days based on the complexity of the embroidery. Once the stitches are done, the fabric is washed to remove ink stains and starched for conditioning. 

Types of Chikankari Stiches 

Tepchi (Long and linear running stitch): The simplest form of chikankari, which is used for outlining a design. 

Rahet (Solid stitch): Also applied to create the outline of a design.

Hool: Hool is used to create flower designs by punching holes in the fabric.

Jali: The most intricate type of Chikankari stitch, requiring expertise and experience. In here, the thread is never drawn through the fabric. 

Bakhiya: The heavy embroidery is done on the inside of the fabric to form a shadow of the embroidery on the outside. It is also called ulti-seedhi stitch. 

Apart from these stitches, there are also Makra, Darzdari, Turpi, Karan, Sazi, Banjkali, Zanzeera, and Phanda. 

You can check the original Lucknow Chikankari wholesale kurtis catalog online at AKS before selecting your pick. 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Wholesale saree supplier in surat

How to Start a Clothing Business at Home?

Expand Your Business with Best Kurtis Manufacturers in Jaipur