Page 20 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

Handicrafts & Carpets Related Theory for Exercise 1.2.08
Hand Embroidery Artisan - Stitches and Threads

Hand embroidery artisan

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• describe artisans
• describe stitches used by artisan.

Artisans: A hand embroidery artisan, also known as a Good artisans can
karigar in India, has a deep understanding of embroidery • Create unique, handmade products with a personal
techniques and an eye for detail. They use a needle and touch
thread to create decorative designs on fabrics and other
materials. Good artisans are masters of their craft, with a • Use their hands and creativity to make one-of-a-kind
high level of technical skill and practical knowledge. They pieces
are creative, patient, and industrious, and they have a • Preserve important elements of culture through their
good understanding of business. (Fig 1) work

Fig 1
• Use local resources to create their products
Stitches used by artisans
Artisans use a variety of stitches for embroidery, including
the running stitch, backstitch, chain stitch, and satin
stitches. Sozni stitching demands exceptional talent and
meticulous attention to detail, making it a time-consuming
and highly skilled craft. Consequently, it is considered
a luxury and commands a higher cost. Depending on
the client’s budget and preferences, the design can be
interpreted and executed in different ways, allowing for
customisation and versatility in the final product.
Some of the knowledge they possess includes:
1 The exquisite sozni stitch - This stitch is used to
• Stitches: A variety of stitches, including flat, loop, outline the pattern in sozni work, using a deeper
and knotted stitches. Some basic stitches include the shade of thread. A different colour of the same fine
chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, running stitch, satin sozni stitch is then used to fill in the design. The filling
stitch, and cross stitch. and outline blend seamlessly, with no discernible
• Materials: Materials to use, such as cotton, wool and space between them. Additionally, the motifs are
silk often coloured multiple times in various hues. Tiny
contrasting stitches are used to depict empty spaces
• Tools: Tools to use, such as needles, frames, and around the motif. This stitch is typically used on high-
finger protectors. end products like silks, genuine pashmina wool, and

• Fabric: Different types of fabric, such as casement, crepes, as it produces a highly compact and luxurious
poplin, spun, terry cot, and cotton wool. appearance.
• Design: Trace designs on fabric or use stencils to 2 The less complicated work - This style combines
create designs. various exquisite sozni threads for outlining the motif,
while larger stitches like satin stitch are used to fill it
• Marketing: Develop strategies for marketing their in.
finished products.
3 Vatachikan stitches - Occasionally, vatachikan
It can take years of practice to master the art of hand stitches are used for richer fillings. Larger herringbone
embroidery. A single sample of intricate embroidery or buttonhole stitches are utilised to fill in the vacant
designs can take many days to create. curved or straight backdrop areas between different
Artisans identify and use embroidery tools, machine patterns.
and operate with safety precautions. They can Embroidery stitches serve both decorative and
Prepare sample basic hand stitches (Temporary & functional purposes, creating various textures, lines,
permanent stitch). They prepare various decorative and patterns on fabric. Common stitches include running
products by designing, innovation, apply different stitch, backstitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, and French
stitches and decorative stitches, ensuring quality and knots, each offering unique visual effects and practical
market demand. applications.

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