Chikankari

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery technique from Lucknow, India. The hand embroidery is one of the last steps done in the garment process for these Chikankari styles. The garments are first block printed with the designs that the embroidery will trace. Using a combination of stitches the designs are traced using cotton or silk threads. Chikankari embroidery traditionally is inspired by nature with designs including flowers, paisleys and more. Once the hand embroidery is complete the garment is washed to remove the remnants of the block print underneath the embroidery. After the garment is dried you're left with a beautiful hand embroidered Chikankari piece like the ones below.