Chikankari

Chikankari is a four centuries old embroidery technique of creating delicate patterns on fabric using thread and a needle. White thread is embroidered on pastel shades of cotton, silk, georgette, chiffon, and chanderi fabrics. To add to their appeal, colored threads and various other embellishments like mukaish, pearl are widely used. Chikankari embroidery requires a high degree of skill to produce intricate patterns and designs.

Motifs from Mughal architecture, Paisley motifs, and Floral motifs like rose, lotus, jasmine are drawn on the fabric and then hand embroidered to lend a unique, intricate, and graceful look.

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Chikankari incorporates about 40 types of stitches and the process of producing a fine chikankari fabric involves various stages from Cutting, printing motifs using wooden blocks, hand embroidery, followed by washing & finishing. Chikankari art form is native to the city of nawabs, Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.