Lucknow Chikankari Hand Embroidery: The Ravishing Craft

Chikankari shows the talent and hard work of the people of Lucknow rather than being just a design.

Lucknow's Chikankari is unique in the world's heritage and culture. This entire embroidery and its ageless charm have fascinated people for ages. Chikankari suits have been a part of the Pakistani ethnic wardrobe for a long time. This thread work is an actual work of art with intricate craftsmanship and unique motifs inspired by Lucknow's Nawabi culture. Lucknow is a multicultural city believed to be the centre of the chickenkari. This city, known as the 'City of Nawabs', has a unique art called Chikankari. It's a type of stitching that many people in Pakistan and India love. 

Today, Chikan Lucknowi suits are not just an art form but also a fashion statement. Your daily wear wardrobe is complete with Chikankari suits. Chikan embroidery is an ancient Indian weaving art Whose origin can be traced back to the Mughal era. It was popular among royals.

Chikan's work is believed to have been introduced in India by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. The queen brought artisans from Persia to teach this art form, and soon, India became a hub for Chikan work. Over time, Chikankari evolved in terms of designs, techniques, and materials used. Chikankari salwar suits were traditionally embroidered on muslin cloth. However, they are working on various fabrics and colours to make them more appealing to a broader audience. Pure fabrics like cotton, silk, and Georgette are utilized to embroider the original Chikankari work and expand its appeal. The influence of contemporary trends has led to the transformation of patterns and motifs.

Designers have put effort into taking this art form to the international platform. It is becoming increasingly popular beyond its traditional ethnic origins.

Which Fabric is Good For Chikankari Art

Chikan embroidery is mainly done on thin and light fabrics. It highlights the white embroidery and allows the needle to pass quickly, like cotton, semi-georgette, pure Georgette, crepe, chiffon, and silk. The white embroidery is more visible on dark-coloured fabrics than on light-coloured fabrics.

You should consider dark-coloured fabrics for your Chikan embroidery. You can also consider the fabric colour of your choice for Chikan embroidery as per your need. Avoid thick fabric as it's difficult for the needle to pass through, and the needle may also break.

Difference Between Chikankari And Lucknow Chikankari

There is no difference between them. Both are the same except for the name. When someone says Lucknow Chikankari, they emphasize the geographical origin of this beautiful hand-art.

Machine-made Embroidery vs Hand Embroidery

With technological advancement, the hand-made chikankari is being shifted to machines due to its time consumption. But the hand-embroidery always remains the top priority of the wearer due to its uniqueness. Every stitch is tied nicely with the cloth

which shows the creativity of the designer and artisan. 

When comparing machine-made and hand embroidery, there are several factors to consider. Here's a detailed comparison between the two:

Machine-made Embroidery:

1. Speed: Machine embroidery is significantly faster than hand embroidery, allowing for quick production of embroidered items.
2. Consistency: Machine embroidery ensures uniformity and consistency in the stitching, programmed to repeat the same design accurately. Its designs are also programmed, taking help from the designers and artists. It may also be a copy of the hand-embroidered designs. 
3. Complexity: Machines can easily handle intricate and complex designs, including detailed patterns and fine lettering.
4. Cost: Initial investment in a good embroidery machine can be high, but it may be more cost-effective for large-scale production.
5. Labour Intensity: Requires minimal human involvement once the machine is set up, reducing the need for large-scale and expensive manual labour.

Hand Embroidery:

1. Artistic Expression: Hand embroidery allows for a high level of creativity and creative expression, as each stitch is made by hand, giving a unique touch to each piece.
2. Customization: Hand embroidery is well-suited for custom designs and personalized items, offering flexibility and adaptability.
3. Tradition and Craftsmanship: Hand embroidery carries a rich tradition and is often valued for the skill and craftsmanship of each piece.
4. Portability: Unlike machines, hand embroidery can be practised anywhere.
5. Time Intensive: Hand embroidery is time-consuming and requires patience and attention to detail, making it less suitable for mass production.

 While machine-made embroidery offers speed, consistency, and suitability for large-scale production, hand embroidery is prized for its artistic expression, craftsmanship, and customization. When it comes to choosing between the two, It depends on the requirements of your project.

Accessories to Perfectly Pair with Chikankari Kurti

When accessing a Chikankari Kurti, several options can perfectly complement this beautiful traditional garment. Here are some trendy accessories that you can pair with a Chikankari Kurti:

1. Printed Palazzo or Black/Blue Denims: Pair your Chikankari Kurti with printed Palazzo or black/blue denims to create a stylish look.
2. Unique Pieces of Jewelry: Enhance the overall look of your Chikankari Kurti by matching it with unique jewellery pieces. You can go for earrings, necklaces, or even bracelets. Choose jewellery that matches the colour and design of your Kurti.
3. Footwear: Complete your Chikankari Kurti look with Juttis or tan sandals, Block Heels, and Flats. These traditional footwear options provide comfort.
4. Religious Earrings: If you want to add a spiritual touch to your Chikankari Kurti, pair it with religious earrings. These earrings beautifully complement the embroidery of the Kurti and add uniqueness to your overall look.
5. Jhumka Earrings: Jhumka earrings are a classic choice that complements a Chikankari Kurti beautifully. Look for jhumkas with intricate designs and vibrant colours to add a traditional and elegant touch to your outfit.

How can I incorporate Chikankari into my daily outfits?

Let's explore some styling tips to incorporate this beautiful Chikankari art into your everyday wardrobe.

1) To achieve a casual look, combine a Chikan Kurta with either jeans or trousers.

2) Enhance your outfit with a lightweight Chikan embroidered jacket or shrug worn over a plain top or dress.

3) Stores offer Chikankari accessories like dupattas, scarves, or stoles. Incorporate them to mix and match with your everyday outfits to enhance their beauty.

4) Chikankari embroidered palazzos are in trend. They add elegance to plain tops and contemporary kurtas.

5) Please find some clothing items with subtle Chikan embroidery on their sleeves, collars, or hems.

6) Chikankari embroidery adds a touch of tradition to modern jumpsuits, dresses, and jackets, creating a stunning fusion of styles for the fashion-forward.

Chikankari dresses are intangible in neutral tones such as white, pastels, or earthy colours.

Fabrics and Materials Used in Chikankari Embroidery

Chikankari embroidery, originating from the Indian subcontinent, is renowned for its fine handiwork. Various fabrics and materials are used in Chikankari embroidery to create lovely designs. Here's a list of standard fabrics and materials used in this beautiful embroidery art:

Fabrics:

• Muslin: A finely woven cotton fabric that provides a smooth base for Chikankari embroidery, often used for its softness and breathability.
• Mulmul: Another lightweight cotton fabric popular for Chikankari due to its sheer texture and comfortable feel.
• Organdy: A crisp, delicate fabric that adds a shine to Chikankari work, enhancing the overall appearance of the embroidery.
• Georgette: This flowing, lightweight fabric is chosen for Chikankari to create elegant drapes and fluid designs.

Materials:

• Cotton Thread: Regarding Chikankari embroidery, cotton thread is the most commonly used material. This fabric allows for intricate detailing and stitching, contributing to the overall work.
• Silk Thread: Occasionally used to add a touch of shine and richness to Chikankari designs, especially for special occasions and formal wear.
• Zari (Metallic Thread): For embroiderings and highlights, metallic threads like zari are incorporated to introduce a shimmering effect, elevating the elegance of the embroidery.
• Mukaish (Metallic Wire): Mukaish, a fine metallic wire, is intricately woven into Chikankari embroidery to add a soft shimmer and sparkle to the motifs. 

In addition to these primary fabrics and materials, artisans may incorporate beads, sequins, and mirrors to emphasise the beauty of Chikankari embroidery. Combining these fabrics and materials enhances the beauty of Chikankari.

Where To Find The Best Chickenkari

One way to find the best Chickenkari is by visiting the Pandi online. Pandi offer dresses in different fabrics like cotton, silk, and georgette with distinct and unique colours, ensuring both comfort and elegance for the customers.

Explore Pandi to discover a stunning collection of Chikankari dress materials from the comfort of your home.