Chikankari

Chikankari is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, India. Translated, the word means embroidery (thread or wire). Chikan is a delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabrics like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, etc. White thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments.

Lucknow is the heart of the chikankari industry today and the variety is known as Lucknawi chikan.

The piece begins with one or more pattern blocks that are used to block-print a pattern on the ground fabric. The embroidered stitches the pattern, and the finished piece is carefully washed to remove all traces of the printed pattern The process of Chikankari includes the following steps:

• Design
• Engraving
• Block printing
• Embroidery
• Washing and finishing