The Classy Embroidery Work on Pakistani Dresses

Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric with needle and thread or yarn. Embroidery may also include other materials such as metal strips, pearls, beads, quills, and sequins. Pakistani dresses are famous for the classy embroideries on them.

It is also part of Pakistani cultural heritage. Embroidery designs are the best way to transform an outfit into something spectacular. Various types of embroidery work are done. Here are the popular types of embroidery:

Aabla-Is a type of Mirror work. Aari- Embroidery done on a cot, it is also called as Khatla work aari. Badla- It has flat metallic, silver or gold wire embroidery. Butas and Butis- Motifs composed of floral forms fitted into paisley shapes derived from the Mughal era. Lari-Fine quality gold threads embroidery.

Phool Patti Work- Appliqué work on usually organdi or other fabric cutouts in floral and leaf motifs are affixed on to a plain fabric sometimes in tandem with silver tilla embroidery. Chikan Work- Originating from Lucknow this involves a technique of finding separated warp and weft threads for a textural effect. Taipchi- Darn stitch on muslin. Khatwa- Inverted satin stitch on muslin.

Murri/ Phanda- Satin stitch knots. Jaali-This is net work. Phulkari- Flower motifs, geometric patterns, surface satin stitching using silk floss threads. Zardosi- Leaf-scroll worked in gold and silver thread on silk, satin, velvet and other rich fabrics. Zardosi is also combined with Dabka work.

Mokaish- Silver dots strewn all over is Mokaish work. Kashida- This type is mix of textile embroidery and printing. Kantha Work- It resembles the running stitch. Ek taar- This is single thread embroidery used in tandem with crystals.

Resham- Fine silk thread work. Bead and Crystal Work- Resham work is teamed with beads, diamantes, rhinestones and Swarovski crystal. Sitara Work- Sequins are embroidered into the fabric.