Stitching a Legacy: Story of Chikankari Embroidery & Its Stitches

Chikankari embroidery is a captivating craft that transports you to a world of fine details and intricate patterns. Each stitch tells a story, and the combination of stitches and designs come together to create a final product that is nothing short of breathtaking. In this blog post, let's take a closer look at how these stitches are used to create the exquisite designs and motifs that are synonymous with Chikankari embroidery.

Bakhiya
This stitch is one of the most popular in Chikankari embroidery, and it's easy to see why. The stitch creates a unique and beautiful pattern that resembles a series of diamond shapes. Legend has it that the stitch was created by a young girl who was inspired by the criss-cross pattern on a window grille. Today, the Bakhiya stitch is used to create intricate designs on fabrics like muslin, cotton, and silk, and it's a staple of traditional Chikankari embroidery.

Ghas Patti
The Ghas Patti stitch is a beautiful, intricate stitch that is created using a series of tiny, diagonal stitches. The stitch is named after the grass-like pattern it creates, and it's often used to create a textured effect on fabrics like chiffon and georgette. The Ghas Patti stitch requires a great deal of skill and patience, but the end result is truly stunning.

Murri
The Murri stitch is a small, knot-like stitch that is used to create dots or small flowers in Chikankari embroidery. The stitch is created by wrapping the thread around the needle several times before pulling it through the fabric. Murri stitch can be used to fill in small spaces or as a decorative element in larger motifs.

Kil
Kil is a unique and rare form of Chikankari embroidery that involves cutting the fabric to create a design. The technique is named after the "kil" or scissors, used to cut the fabric. Kil Chikankari is often used to create geometric designs on fabrics like cotton and silk, and it's a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans who practice this form of embroidery.

Pechni
This is a type of darning stitch that creates a dense, textured pattern on the fabric. Pechni is created by stitching small straight stitches in a diagonal pattern and is often used to create fine lines, borders, and geometric designs in Chikankari embroidery.

Hool
Hool is a delicate stitch that is used to create small, floral motifs in Chikankari embroidery. It is created by stitching small, straight stitches in a circular pattern, followed by a series of knots to create a flower-like shape. This stitch is often paired with other stitches to create more intricate designs.

Phanda
The Phanda stitch is a knot stitch that is used to create small, circular motifs in Chikankari embroidery. It is created by wrapping the thread around the needle several times before pulling it through the fabric. This stitch can be used to create small flowers, dots, or as a decorative element in larger motifs.

Jaali
The Jaali stitch is a type of netted stitch that creates a latticed pattern on the fabric. The stitch is often used to create designs on fabrics like cotton and silk, and it's a favorite of many Chikankari artisans who prefer floral and paisley motifs.

Chikankari embroidery is an exquisite art form that has been passed down from generation to generation. The intricate stitching techniques and designs have remained unchanged for centuries, and the craft continues to flourish today. With each stitch, the artisans create a masterpiece that is a testament to their skill and dedication.

If you're looking to add some Chikankari embroidery to your wardrobe, look no further than Nyara. Our pieces are crafted using a variety of Chikankari stitches, from the popular Bakhiya and Phanda stitches to the lesser-known Hool and Murri stitches. Each piece is a work of art that you'll cherish for years to come. So, come and explore the world of Chikankari embroidery at Nyara and experience the magic of these timeless stitches!