Kashmiri or Kashida Embroidery

Kashmiri – Embroidari, also known as Kashyada embroidery, is a type of needle work from the Kashmir region of India. It is one of the most beautiful forms of embroidery in the country, characterized by the use of a single long stitch to create design. In fact, the entire design is made with one or two embroidery masks that are professionally performed by the embroidery craftsman.

This is the one that makes Kashmiri embroidery design very unique. This ancient art began as a small cabin industry in the 1000s and over the years became a favorite among the elite and eventually Mughal Badppan. Today it is considered one of the most magnificent embroidery in the world.

The work with Kashmiri embroidery is known for smooth, expert methods where a single stitch is used to create a detailed design. The entire design of a fabric will be made with a maximum of two masks, which can be of many different types from chain stitches, satin stitches, oblique daran -stitches, herring pavement and tribal. The specific base of the fabric is silk, wool or cotton; Wool is often used, as it is usually available in the area. The thread used is usually a good wool, although today other materials are also used. Pashmina, a type of nice and light wool, is the most famous export of Kashmir and Pashmina clothes with Kashmiri embroidery work are the most prestigious goods from the region.

The thread used is usually a fine woolen one, though nowadays other materials are used as well. Pashmina, a type of fine and light-weight wool, is the most famous export of Kashmir and Pashmina garments with Kashmiri embroidery work are the most coveted items from this region. Kashmiri embroidery patterns are usually created on pastel colored backgrounds, in threads of white, beige or pale yellow. The artisans traditionally aimed at blending the thread color with the base color to create a uniquely three-dimensional effect; nowadays, however, brighter colors such as pink, blue and green are used for the base as well as the embroidery threads.

Kashmiri embroidery motifs are more often than not inspired by nature. Popular designs include maple leafs, trees, flowers, twigs, branches, birds, animals and lotus blooms. There are also certain distinctive types of designs that are unique, such as the Kashir-Jaal, a fine network of embroidery typically used around the neckline of garments, Jaama, a very thickly embroidered pattern depicting intertwining trees, branches and flowers and Jaal, a fine and delicate network of trees and flowering vines motifs. Depending on the types of motifs and stitches used, there are different names given to sub-types of Kashmiri embroidery, such as Sozni, Papier Mache, Shaaldaar etc. They would all come under the broad category of Kashmiri embroidery.

This type of embroidery can be used to decorate many different types of garments and accessories. Kashmiri embroidery shawls are the most famous and commonly found garments with this type of needlework. Shawls are extremely popular in this region because of the cold climate, but today, they have also become in-demand the world over. Kashmiri embroidery shawls are considered a must-have ethnic winter accessory. The distinctive, intricate designs give them a very beautiful look. They are most often made of wool, with the pure Pashmina varieties being considered the finest.

The most popular garment worn in Kashmir is the salwar kameez so it is no surprise that Kashmiri embroidery salwar kameez are available in many different colors, designs and styles. The embroidery on these garments is usually restricted to the neckline and the borders though exquisite garments heavily embroidered with pretty designs all over are also available.

Nowadays, Kashmiri embroidery sarees are also becoming quite popular. These are usually winter wear sarees, as they are either made of wool or a wool silk blend. The heavy embroidery and nature inspired designs on this saree gives it a very distinctive look and is a great choice for anybody who wants to stand out from the crowd in their traditional garb.

Style Tips

Kashmir embroidery, with many other regional arts and crafts, has become quite trendy over the years, mainly due to ethnic revival trend.Women can flaunt gorgeous Kashmiri embroidery kurtas, kurtis, salwar kameez as well as sarees and team them up with Kashmiri embroidery bags and embroidered jutis to complete the look.

Kashmiri embroidery suits are the most popular because of their beautiful combination of comfort and style. The heavy and thick nature of this kind of needle-work is best complemented with metallic jewelry such as Indian earrings, gold necklaces or silver bangles. Women can also go for the typical Kashmiri look by choosing antique silver or oxidized silver jewelry pieces and a fully embroidered shawl to go with the Kashmiri embroidery suits. If it is a traditional garment in the typical pastel shades then it can be paired up with pearl jewelry, pearl bracelets, and pearl earrings.