Embroidery in Gujarat

Printing and embroidery in Gujarat reveals a cultural tradition that has evolved through centuries.

Most of the best and earliest textiles were created in Gujarat. Printing and embroidery in Gujarat has a huge world market.

Varieties of embroidery in Gujarat include:

• Toran, the embroidered doorway decoration with hanging flaps, which is said to ventilate good luck.
• Pachhitpatis, hanged from the corners as a welcome symbol to the visitors.
• Chaklas, used as furniture covers.
• Bhitiya, a wall hanging.
• Abhala, where small mirror discs are fixed with closely worked silken thread.

Printing and embroidery in Gujarat is an inherent talent that passes through generations. They excel in making the following:

• cholis (bodices)
• gaghras (skirts)
• odhnis (shawls)
• bed spreads
• bags
• wall hanging
• variety of ornamental pieces for home decor.

Ari embroidery is very old and known for its heavy work. It is done with a cobbler's stitch, which needs much skill and practice. The royal ladies of Kutch who were moved by the Persian motifs like peacock and flowers became great patrons of Ari embroidery.

Rabari Embroidery is the most conspicuous work and available easily. The Kutchi Rabaris employ mirrors of different shapes and sizes.

Applique or Katab is another form of decorative needlework, more pronounced in Saurashtra, it is done with pieces of colored and patterned fabric, which are nicely cut to make the motif and then stitched on to a plain background to make quilts, curtains and wall hangings.

Another very important aspect of the printing and embroidery in Gujarat are the fabrics with Block Prints. They especially fascinate the foreign tourists. It is the printing of cloth with carved wooden blocks.

So, whenever you visit Gujarat, make it a point to bring home some of the pieces representing the printing and embroidery of Gujarat.