• The craft of chikankari is a very delicate form of needle work exclusively done in the city of Lucknow, India.
• Simple and precise, yet intricate hand stitches used gives an elegant and classy feel to the fabric. Hence, it is often referred to as the Luxury Craft of India.
• The chikankari embroidery features 32 stitches which can broadly be classified into – raised stitch, embossed stitch and flat stitch.
• Some of the popular stitches used are called bakhiya, phanda, keel, kangan, murri, chanapatti, tepchi, jaali.
• Chikankari is a unique way of designing a fabric. It’s an arduous process that is a compilation of designing, engraving, block printing, embroidery, washing and finishing.
• First, the fabric is cut according to the requirement or stitched in case of garments. Then it is block printed with design motifs on which the embroidery is done. The cloth is then washed several times after which it is finally inspected and ready to be used.
• Traditionally, the handicraft was done on white muslin cloth using white thread. Now the embroidery is done on pastel shades of muslin and cotton. It is also embellished and adorned with sequins, beads and mirror work to enrich its appearance.
• Each product made using the chikankari technique is unique which is a natural outcome of the extensive human involvement in each process.
• Almost all of the artisans involved in chikankari are women from the rural areas in & around Lucknow.
• Lucknow was awarded the Geographical Index Certification for chikankari in December, 2008 which means that the chikankari articles made in Lucknow are exclusive and bears the craft authenticity.