Intricate craft of embroidery takes new, modern forms

In 2011, a local group belonging to Sweden’s Embroidery Guild took the initiative to organise a special day to celebrate embroidery and it is now celebrated each year on July 30. This art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread has helped designers build a new style of work. Fashion designers and art teachers from the city talk to us about how embroidery has evolved over the years and how it will remain one of the favourite ways of decorating a fabric.

With an eye for all things fashionable, Nazia Syed merges her love for art, designs and colours to create distinctive outfits. Intricate embroidery work is one of her main fortes and the designer has been trying to bring innovations in embroidery. “People don’t want the old boring embroidery designs instead they are looking for something quirky and unique. Like how they experiment with fashion choices, people, today, are willing to try out new things. I use a lot of embellishments like coins works and chains to make the fabric look different. There are a lot of buyers for these new elements,” says Nazia.

Blouses with heavy embroidery designs are a rage in the bridal world and many tailors and designers are cashing in on this trend. “Most of the clients who approach me for bridal blouses opt for heavy embroidery ones. They love to experiment with unconventional embroidery designs and patterns. Western clothing that was slightly boring before is also coming up with embroidery works on it. It’s evident that embroidery will always remain our favourite,” adds the designer.    

Art teacher Christina Ranjan started Christina’s Sewing Studio to teach embroidery and basic tailoring to Chennaiites. “Many even don’t know how to hand stitch a button on a shirt. My aim is to teach people the basics of embroidery and stitching. It’s said that doing embroidery is a creative, joyful and peaceful art. When we say embroidery, only zardozi and aari work come to everybody’s mind. In India, we have a lot of traditional embroideries like Kutch embroidery, chikankari, kantha, phulkari, etc that many don’t do anymore. I wanted to bring back these traditional embroidery styles through my classes. Apart from this, I will also be teaching about various types of embroidery stitches, from the basic ones to the very complex. One interesting thing about this craft is that there have been no changes or development of techniques over the years and that’s the beauty of embroidery designs,” says Christina.

Fashion designer-stylist Shilpa Vummiti says that embroidery has a universal value and designers across the world are trying it in clutches, purses, bags, shoes, etc. “That’s a welcoming change and today’s youngsters opt for such accessories. That said, the art of doing embroidery on clothing has reduced unlike before because it is getting a little bit expensive. These days, people are experimenting with embroidery designs mainly on blouses,” she points out.