The zardozi embroidery material is an intricate and unique type of hand embroidery. It is done on fabrics like silk, velvet and satin to embellish wedding outfits, heavy coats and other products. It is an ancient craft and has gained popularity in Europe as well.
The embroidery technique involves tying metallic threads of various shapes and sizes along with beads, stones, sequins etc on the surface of the fabric. This is done by tracing the design onto the fabric and then tying the embroidered elements to it. The designs are based on nature and also the national culture of India.
It is an ancient art form that is still practiced today in Chennai India and other parts of the country. The craft can take up to 25 years for a craftsman to master.
Zardozi is a popular Indian form of embroidery that uses gold and silver threads to create intricate patterns on fabric. The art flourished in Delhi during the Mughal period and has since spread to cities like Lucknow, Agra and Mumbai.
This embroidery is usually done on heavy silk, velvet and satin. The craft is regarded as one of the most elegant and exquisite forms of embroidery. It is used to embellish bridal wear and other products such as coats, cushion covers, curtains, and even headpieces.
Embroidery is a universal art and has been practised for many centuries. It is a great way to decorate any garment, especially if it has intricate designs.
There are three main types of embroidery: painting, printing and embroidered work. Among them, embroidered work is considered to be the most traditional and is known worldwide. It is also the most popular embroidery for women's dresses.
* The materials are a crucial part of the process, and they are carefully chosen to ensure a perfect finish. The materials include curved hooks, needles, salmaa pieces (gold wires), sitaaras (metal stars), round-sequins, glass & plastic beads, dabkaa (thread) and kasab (thread).
To start the embroidery work, the fabric is first fixed over a wooden frame called an "Adda" and then stretched out. The craftsmen then sit cross-legged around this frame with their tools to begin the work.
The first step is to trace out the design on the fabric if possible, and if not, it is then transferred with a pen or a pencil. This is done to ensure that the stitching will be symmetrical and correct.
This is the most important step in the zardozi embroidery process as it helps to draw out the design on the cloth without any mistakes. Once the design is etched out on the cloth, the zardozi work can commence.
Traditionally, the zardozi embroidery was done with real gold and silver threads that were made from blocks of metals by the craftsmen themselves. These threads were then pressed through iron sheets having perforations to make thin wires that would be suitable for the zardozi work.
In modern times, the threads are made out of copper and resham threads. This makes the threads more durable and easier to work with.