Chikankari Love: From Lucknow to Your Wardrobe
We know you love Chikankari kurtis for women. Let's dive deeper into this and understand it better - why we decided to bring iconic Chikankari into the modern times at Rivaz.
Chikankari is an old embroidery form from Lucknow (a city in India), also known as Lucknowi Chikankari. Chikankari is like a royal touch, but it is ideal for both everyday use and special occasions as it is soft, easy, and elegant.
The Lucknowi Chikankari craft came to Lucknow (India) with the Mughal Empire, and since then, it has become an integral part of Indian craft and fashion. Every Lucknowi Chikankari design is unique in itself, with ancient, floral, and traditional patterns. The hand-made embroidered work gives it a natural and subtle look.
What is Chikankari?
Chikankari is "embroidery." It is derived from the Persian term "chikan," which means making light patterns with thread on cloth. This embroidery is undertaken primarily in white thread, but colored threads are also used now.
Chikankari is primarily executed on soft cloths such as cotton (yes, you will receive a cotton chikankari kurta set), muslin (muslin chikankari kurta), georgette (georgette chikankari kurta), and organza (organza chikankari kuri). Handwork is carried out with utmost care to produce exquisite floral or paisley motifs.
Types of Chikankari Work
Numerous types of stitches are employed in Chikankari. Each one is lovely:
- Bakhiya (Shadow Work): A pattern is created on the reverse side, which is visible through the front.
- Phanda and Murri: Tiny knot-like stitches resembling tiny flowers or buds.
- Tepchi: A long-running stitch sewn in a straight line.
- Jaali Work: Net-like motif created by fine hand weaving.
All these stitches make the chikankari kurti rich and sophisticated.
Handmade vs. Machine Embroidery Chikankari
Actual Chikankari is always done manually. It requires numerous hours and experienced artisans to complete one item. The stitches in manual Chikankari are irregular and soft to the touch.
In contrast, machine embroidery Chikankari is accomplished quickly and appears more flawless or uniform. Although machine work is less expensive, handmade Chikankari carries more worth and heritage.
You can watch the entire short video on this topic, prepared by Rivaz Threads and Co.'s Founder, Neha Saxena.
How to Recognize Authentic or Genuine Chikankari Kurtis?
Here's how to check for real chikankari:
- Look at the back of the fabric because handmade stitches will not be the same.
- Touch and feel it as real chikankari is soft and has texture.
- Machine-made ones look too perfect and often use thicker thread.
Rivaz Threads & Co. only sells genuine handmade Chikankari.
Popular Chikankari Kurti Styles
At Rivaz Threads & Co., you will get numerous fashionable choices such as:
- Chikankari Short Kurti: Ideal for college students and professional women. Style your short kurti with jeans or palazzos.
- Cotton Kurta Set for Women: A complete set that consists of a kurti, pants, and a dupatta. Suitable for casual or office wear.
- A-Line Kurti: It fits at the top and is wide in the...