At one point of time, everybody used to be keen on wearing hand-embroidered clothes. But with lifestyles becoming more hectic, and machine embroideries entering the scene, a lot seems to be lost. Decades earlier, our mothers and grandmothers had a favourite hobby, and that was to embroider anytime and anywhere. Indian traditional embroideries are not just mere décor, but a story in itself.
Each region has an embroidery of its own, which has come down the lineage. While it may be simply impossible to mention all of them from across the country into a limited space, we can discuss a few.
Popular Traditional Embroideries From Indian
Chikankari
Truly a heritage of Uttar Pradesh, its origins go back to the Mughal era. Delicate floral patterns and motifs, paisleys and vines in white thread work make up much of the design. You would mostly find these on muslin and cotton fabrics. To this date, women love to flaunt the same on kurtis and kameez. The fabric gets a three-dimensional look, which you can best describe as ethereal.
Photo by Muneeb Malhotra: (Free to use under Pexels content license) Published Date – March 19th, 2026
Kantha
Kantha is the artisanal embroidery from West Bengal. And you will mostly find the stitches on old sarees. Mothers often pass on this artistry to their daughters. The patterns involving this embroidery of straight stitches depicting daily life, nature and folk stories. Each kantha saree or fabric, is a story in itself. You can flaunt these on sarees, dupattas, and table covers, as well.
Photo by Muhammad Khawar Nazir: (Free to use under Pexels content license) Published Date – May 25th, 2026
Phulkari
This is amongst the most globally famous traditional embroideries, coming from Punjab. This embroidery comprises stitching intricate designs with silk threads. You will often see them as geometric patterns on heavy fabrics.
Photo by Manjot Aulakh: (Free to use under Pexels content license) Published Date -June 18th, 2022
Parsi Gara
Another famous embroidery, coming from Gujarat and Maharashtra, is a unique fusion. Mostly flaunted by the Parsi community, the technique involves Chinese design inspirations in the form of butterflies, birds, and pagodas.
Take Away…
Such traditional embroideries that are hand embroidered are unique. Two stitches can never be the same. You will find that, most pieces incorporating the above are 3D and is a result of hours of hard work.
Featured Image Credit – Photo by Tamanna Rumee: (Free to use under Pexels content license) Published Date – July 14th, 2021
