Welcome to Naurah Chikan! We’re here to share with you the beautiful technique and process of Chikankari embroidery. Chikankari involves delicate and artistic hand embroidery on various textile fabrics. With the use of simple tools, skilled artisans embellish plain or light-colored fabrics with stunning designs.
Lucknowi Chikankari isn’t just limited to women’s fabrics; it has also earned a place in men’s Kurtas, especially during festivals. The Chikankari process includes several steps: designing, engraving, block-printing, embroidery, and washing. As manufacturers, we take pride in going through each of these steps to create unique and exquisite items. Take a look at our Product Collection to discover our offerings.
Additional steps may be involved if we decide to incorporate other embellishments like aari zari, gota patti, mukeish, jaali, etc., for styling and design. However, the following six steps summarize the entire process:
- Fabric selection: We carefully choose the fabric based on the item we’re creating.
- Cutting: The fabric is cut to the desired measurements, according to the item’s requirements and whether it needs stitching.
- Block printing: The chosen design is printed onto the fabric using wooden blocks and an indigo color solution. Different blocks are used for butis, floral patterns, and borders. In Lucknow, a separate group of artisans specializes in the printing process.
- Hand embroidery: Skilled artisans perform the Chikankari embroidery, using needles, threads, and a tightly-held frame. The embroidery is meticulously done over the printed design patterns, incorporating traditional stitches and techniques.
- Washing and polishing: The embroidered fabric is soaked in water to remove the block printed blue color. It is then starched, ironed, and polished to obtain stiffness and a finished look.
- Thread cutting, finishing, and packing: The final touches are made, including cutting any excess threads, ensuring the item’s impeccable finish, and packing it for the market.
Traditionally, Chikan work was primarily done on white cotton fabric, utilizing 75 to 100 stitches to create breathtaking floral patterns. However, to meet evolving market trends, Chikankari is now done on various fabric types like voile, cambric, malmal, rubiya, PC, silk, chiffon, crepe, georgette, silk, organza, pure chiffon, maslin, viscose, and more. In recent times, Lucknow Chikankari has embraced different looks by incorporating additional embellishments like Mukaish, Kamdani, Badla, Sequins, Aari-Zari, Gotapatti, beads, and mirror work.
At Naurah Chikan, we celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of Lucknow Chikankari. Explore our collection and experience the beauty of our uniquely crafted pieces.
