Page 74 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

Handicrafts & Carpets Related Theory for Exercise 1.11.64-66
Hand Embroidery Artisan - Quality Assessment

Quality assurance for sozni

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain quality assurance in sozni embroidery
• check quality assurance.

Quality assurance in sozni embroidery Backside finish: The reverse of the embroidery should
also be tidy a hallmark of genuine sozni.
Sozni is prized for its intricacy and craftsmanship, so
quality assurance involves both aesthetic and technical 3 Authenticity checks
checks: Ensure the work is hand-done, not machine replicated
1 Material quality check (look for minute imperfections that show human touch).
Fabric: Must be pure pashmina, wool, or fine cotton/silk • Certification (like GI tags or artisan authentication)
depending on product. can help validate originality.
Threads: Use of high-quality silk or cotton thread. 4 Durability testing
Ensure dyeing is consistent and colorfast. • Light stress testing to check thread strength.
2 Craftsmanship inspection • Colorfastness tests (water and friction).

Stitch consistency: Stitches should be uniform, dense, • Stitch strength after cleaning or ironing.
and clean. 5 Cultural & design accuracy
Design symmetry: Patterns must be well-aligned, • Designs often carry heritage value quality
especially in mirrored or repetitive motifs.
assurance also involves respecting traditional
Neatness: No loose threads, puckering, or fabric motifs and symbolism.
distortion.
Estimate of final product

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain the points to be considered for the general estimate of the final product
• evaluate artisans work.

To give you a good estimate of final products in Sozni
embroidery, you will need to know a few things first but
break it down based on typical production scenarios.
General Estimate of Sozni Final Products (Handmade)1 Artisan Working Full Time (8 hrs/day)

Product type Avg time to complete Estimated output/month Notes
Sozni Shawl (Full 3–4 months per shawl 0.25–0.33 shawls Very fine work, often a team project
Embroidery)
Sozni Shawl 1–1.5 months per shawl ~1 shawl Less dense work, still high-end
(Border Only)
Stoles / Scarves 15–25 days per piece 1–2 scarves Depends on embroidery density
Sozni Cushion 10–15 days per set 2–3 sets Popular for smaller exports
Covers (Set of 2)
Kurta Pieces / 7–10 days per piece 3–4 pieces Less surface area = faster turn around
Panels

These are handmade estimates and can vary based on: For a Small production unit (5–10 artisans)
• Skill level of the artisan Monthly output
• Design complexity (dense vs. fine motifs) • 3–5 Border Sozni Shawls
• Weather (impacting thread tension, fabric handling) • 10–15 Smaller Items (stoles, cushion covers, kurtas)

• Workspace setup (home-based vs. organized unit) • Full-work shawls may still take a few artisans several
months.

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