India is a land of mysteries, which has been alluring tourists over centuries. Any discussion about the Indian culture and tradition will not be complete without the mention of sarees. This nine yard fabric, drapes around the frame of Indian women, and accentuates their physical beauty. It also highlights her humble yet strong personality. There are very few attires, which can do so much at the same time. The saree heightens the grace of an Indian woman, and thus, is also termed as “safely called the six yards of grace.” Many are of the opinion that this attire will fail to keep up with the modern development. So far, this notion has been proved wrong. After all, the radiance, variety, and vigor offered just by a single straight piece of cloth are irreplaceable.
Ever since the advent of western wears, women started seeing Saree as inconvenient attire for day-to-day lives. Irrespective of whether or not she likes wearing it, you are bound to meet her at the wedding, draped in an elegant saree.
What are embroidery sarees?
Ever since its origin, embroidery works in saree is considered to be a truly ethnic craft, which decorates fabric. It is done with primarily a thread and needle. By incorporating elements like beads, pearls, sequins as well as quills, embroidery is done to add a dash of color to the saree. What’s pivotal in embroidery is stitching. Several kinds of stitches are prevalent in the saree embroidery industry. Having said that, hand embroidery works are done with multiple stitch patterns and techniques. This includes buttonhole or blanket stitch, chain stitch, cross stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, so on and so forth.
What makes embroidery sarees a true blue winner?
Although sarees are the perfect attire for any traditional occasions, people choose embroidery sarees over plain fabrics. That being said, Kalamkari sarees have been garnering immense popularity over the years. A similar approach has been taken forward by the silk sarees as well as Kota, but no other saree is as popular as the embroidery ones or which come with the inclusion of thread or zardosi works.
How Are Embroidery Sarees the Latest Trend?
Starting off the discussion, there is a wide range of embroidery sarees that have not only become the latest trend in the fashion industry but also come with some magnificent traditional designs.
Banarasi Sarees – People living in Kolkata always prefer going for Banarasi saree on their big fat wedding day. Similar to other embroidery works, Banarasi is also a type of stitching that incorporates zari or even gold and silver brocade on the finely woven silk fabric, with the intricate designs.
Zardosi Sarees – From the Persian land, enter Zardosi word, an ancient sewing technique of incorporating silver or gold threads on the fabric. The reason that makes it superior in the embroidery industry is the reflection of 17th-century art. Originally, the material used pearls and precious stones. Now, beads have replaced these stones. Zardosi works also include the inclusion of copper wire, apart from the gold or silver touch.
Chikankari Sarees – The lands of Nazaquat, Lucknow, and Tehzeeb has given rise to the beautifully crafted art which is known as Chikankari.. As per believes, the design was initially introduced by the wife of Jahangir, Nur Jehan. Under the patronage of Mughal emperors, this art began to flourish. The Chikankari pieces are created by block printing patterns. On the traditional front, the art started to flourish as a type of white embroidery but eventually was raised with special techniques, which is why now it is available on a wide range of fabrics as well as hues. It is due to the wonderfully crafted designs that make it one of the best embroidery in the queue of sarees.
The Kantha stitched Sarees – Kantha sarees are trendy saree designs, which women of 21st century are in love with. Practiced in Bengal, Kantha is a traditional embroidery style that defines simplicity in a woman. It highlights the motifs of everyday activities, birds, flowers, animals, etc. Some popular kantha patterns are lotus kantha, rose kantha, folk kantha, “guri” run etc. Recently, designers are coming up with other patterns to highlight the intricacy of this embroidery. Depending on the neatness and motifs, one sarees can take anything between three to 10 months to finish.
Kashidakari Sarees – Kashmiri embroidery aka Kashidakari has evolved under the patronage of Persian as well as Mughal rulers. The Kashidakari stitch is a skilled craft from the land of Kashmir. It is an effective mode of delivering embroidery sarees in today’s fashion industry. You can complement any Kashidakari woven saree with a same solid hue blouse.
Rajasthani Patchwork Sarees – Amidst the everlasting arid land and a sea of sand, Rajasthani patchwork sarees bring the much-needed pop of color and brightness. Patchwork from Rajasthan includes a host of sophisticated art and craft forms. It never fails to impress a shopalcoholic, especially when you are a lover of saree. A Rajasthani patchwork blouse is well-complimented with a white saree, which sports the same pattern just in the borders.
Mirror Work – Shisha aka mirror work is a well-renowned craft from the lands of Rajasthan as well as Gujarat. The primary form of this particular art was discovered in the 17th century. At present, it has been made available in three types. That being said, there are hand blown shisha, shisha embroidery, as well as machine cut shisha. The usage of mirrors and colorful threads is what makes this art unique in all true meanings.
The Advent of Embroidery and its Contemporary Version
Talking about the art of embroidery, several early examples hint at the fact that its discovery was found long ago. Historically speaking, it is because of the development of the sewing techniques which has brought the art of embroidery to what it is today. Apart from saree embroideries, the modern styling statements also disclose the embroidery art in various other clothes such as jeans, tops, etc. as well as accessories like bags.
Needles and yarns have given rise to the modern embroidery. But that definitely doesn’t erase the fact that the heritage of hand embroidery has been present ever since the advent of the very same art. While the contemporary designs of embroidery offer multiple sarees in the form of various embroidery patterns, all techniques are just the modified version of the once-incorporated art of stitching with needles and yarns.
