Chikankari is a subtle artistic expression for creating elaborate silhouettes and designer beadwork that was traditionally performed on white thread or tanzeb, or colorless muslin fabric. Nevertheless, due to the diversity of textiles, chikankari is accomplished on a diverse range of materials, which would include georgette, cotton, chiffon, and more. Chikankari needlework is employed on cushions, bedspreads, comforters, bath curtains, draperies, as well as other products in addition to Indian bridal couture dresses and women's garments. The incredibly beautiful Noor Jahan, the Imperial Crown princess of the Emperor Jahangir, presented a demonstration of the exquisite handmade workmanship. Embroidery resembling chikan art was documented in India as far back as the time of Megasthenes, who also documented the use of floral muslins by Indians.He complimented the incomparable beauty of the delicate little flower motifs and designs on fabric fashioned utilizing chikankari art. According to one folklore, the weary traveler in Lucknow had a sore throat when he approached a little town. A resident nearby provided him water, and the traveler agreed. Ever since, in an effort to express his gratitude, the traveller has trained the man Chikankari skills in a bid to make him free and guarantee that he would not be without life's necessities. Unfortunately, these crocheted designs are barren of just about any color, embellishment, or even other eye-catching features to decorate them. Chikankari, as according to Laila Tyabji, evolved from the white-on-white needlework of Shiraz and then was introduced to India through Persian aristocrats that served in the Mughal dynasty. 

The finest summer outfit is a saree with chikankari design, which has become a staple among Indian women. These sarees, highly recommended garments, embody Lucknow's historical heritage and traditions. Whenever the temperature is scorching in India, women prefer the Lucknowi Chikankari saree more than any other sarees. These sarees are made of lightweight textile which has been exquisitely pastel-dyed. They are very comfortable for regular usage. Because of its exquisite embroidery, the Lakhnavi Chikankari saree has received international acclaim. Most women prefer chikankari sarees over other varieties. For special occasions, they choose to dress eloquently and graciously. The white thread's exquisite and impressive work applied to a white fabric will look extremely appealing. The handmade needlework that was done on the textile is an accurate indicator of Lucknow's rich heritage. The majority of women in our society appreciate this traditional version of white on white needlework. With the Chikankari technique, women have the choice of materials such as cotton, silk, organza, chiffon, etc.

The Technique of creating the gorgeous Chikankari Sarees

Chikankari is the name for the technique being used to manufacture chikan masterpieces. Chikan is a form of handloom weaving that seems to be exquisite and expertly produced on a multitude of textile materials, comprising muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, etc. On pleasant, delicate tones of lightweight muslin and cotton fabric, white threads are embroidered. In order to stay in touch with clothing styles and maintain chikan embroidery, contemporary, vibrantly colored and silk threads are also being incorporated. Nowadays, Lucknow is the hub of the chikankari business, and so this variety is recognized as Lucknawi chikan. In recent years, Chikan work has embraced supplementary embellishments such Mukaish, Kamdani, Badla, rhinestone, jewel, and mirror work, which lends it a rich aesthetic.

FAQS

Q1. How can an original chikankari work be recognized?

When the item is handmade, the fabric would also include French loops, shadow embroidery, and criss-cross needlework; these stitches are not present in machine-made products.

Q2. Which stitch is used in Chikankari?

A total of six threads are needed to finish this method, which is commonly used to make a flower's center. Murri is a sort of embroidery stitch commonly employed to embellish the centers of flowers seen in chikankari designs. Most often, they take the form of French knots, which resemble grains of rice. The most popular and time-honored kind of chikankari is the murri-shaped variety.

Q3. Which fabric is best for Chikankari work?

When done on lightweight fabrics such as cotton, semi-Georgette, or pure Georgette; crepe; chiffon; silk; or any other fabric that brings out the intricacies of the technique, chikan embroidery is at its most lovely. Chikan embroidery is also at its most attractive when worn by women. If the cloth in question has an extremely dense weave or is woven in a tight manner, the embroidery needle will not be able to make its way through it.

Q4. Which state is famous for Chikankari fabric?

The traditional embroidery technique known as chikankari originates in Lucknow, which is the state capital of Uttar Pradesh and is famous throughout the world. Chikankari is a type of embroidery that is typically worked with white cotton thread on fabric that is made of fine white cotton. Chikankari is a traditional form of embroidery. The word "shadow labor" can be interchangeably replaced with "chikankari."

Q5. How is Chikankari named?

Chikankari is a type of embroidery that is traditionally worked with white cotton thread on fabric made of fine white cotton. Chikankari is synonymous with the term "shadow labor." The word "Chicken," from which the English word "Chikan" is derived, originally came from the Persian language. In earlier times, Chikankari embroidery would traditionally be done on mulmul, which is a finer version of muslin cotton.

Q6. How old is Chikankari Saree?

Chikankari, the art form from which this example is taken, has been practiced in India for close to 400 years. Noor Jehan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, is credited with bringing this skill to India from Iran. Also, Chikankari needlework has a wide variety of designs, such as murree, lerchi, keelkangan, and bakhia. The intricate needlework style is characterized by its use of motifs inspired by Mughal architecture.

Q7. How many types of Chikankari are there?

Mukaish, or geometric pattern, and chikan, or floral design, are the two most common styles of chikankari. Patterns like paisley, fretwork, and Persian vines are frequently used in mukaish. Dhak (carnations), jasmine, and pink, red, and white roses are only some of the flowers used as decorative accents. Peacocks, parrots, and elephants are all frequently featured. Chikankari is typically done solely by women, while mukaish is more often a male-dominated field.

Q8. How much does Chikankari fabric cost?

The exquisite creative needlework that has been painstakingly worked on a variety of textile materials, including georgette, silk, muslin, organza, chiffon, and cotton, causes one's heart to really miss a beat upon first glance. This collection features an extensive assortment of charming designs in a broad variety of styles. Chikankari cloth is typically priced at 125 per meter. However, white Cotton Chikankari Fabric may be purchased for Rs 108 per meter, with prices varying based on the kind.

Q9. What is Tepchi work?

The darning stitch or long-running stitch known as the Tepchi, Taipchi, or Tipkhi stitch is created by using six strands of thread on the right side of the fabric, crossing over four threads, and picking up one additional thread. As a direct consequence of this, a line will be produced. On occasion, tepchi is used to produce the "bel buti" pattern that is found all over the fabric. This pattern can be found all over the cloth.

Q10. What are Chikankari kurtas?

Women adore chikankari kurtas because they exude grace and elegance, and because they are such timeless wardrobe staples. Chikankari stitching has a unique beauty that can't be equaled by any other style. Specific stitching techniques give the tonal thread embroidery a lovely, delicate, and sophisticated appearance. To further enhance its visual attractiveness, chikankari is now being blended with other methods like mukaish and gota work.

Q11. Why is Chikankari expensive?

Chikankari is a technique for embellishing pure white cotton fabric with intricate needlework. We also refer to chikankari as "shadow work" at times. The root of the term "Chikan" is the Persian "Chicken." It's expensive due to the fact that it's a one-of-a-kind item. The process of creating a chikan piece is known as chikankari. Whether it's on muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, or any other fabric, chikan embroidery is always done by hand with great care and expertise. Fabrics like muslin and cotton in pastel colors are held together with white thread.

Q12. What is Chikankari called in English?

The term "chikankari" can serve as an interchangeable replacement for the term "shadow labor." The term "Chicken," which ultimately gave rise to the English word "Chikan," was originally taken from the language of the Persians. In English, the word is spelled "Chikan." In the past, Chikankari embroidery was often done on mulmul, which is a more delicate variant of muslin cotton.