Kutchi Hand Embroidery - Unique Craftsmanship & Designs

Mirrors and motifs reflect a community’s identity

The rural-pastoral lives of communities in Kutch are reflected in their art and craft. So much so, that no mention of the region is complete without it. Kutch embroidery brings under its vast umbrella, several sewing techniques and embellishments. These include mirrorwork, or shisha kaam, stitches like pako, soof, hurmicho and aari, and several other forms of embroidery all practised by women in the Kutch villages.

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The Making

Kutch embroidery is done on fabrics like cotton, silk, wool, and mashru (silk-cotton blend). Coloured threads, including floss silk, are used in the needlework with a predominance of chain stitches. Artisans also use mirrors, beads, seashells and sequins to create luminescent patterns. The motifs are inspired by flora and fauna, folklore and also include geometric shapes. Materials, motifs, and techniques vary among communities, but the underlying meaning and message binds the craft.

The Legacy

Kutch embroidery is also known as Kutchi or Kachchhi embroidery, and Mochi Bharat, though aari embroidery—its other name—has a separately identity. The roots of this can be traced back to the skilled artisans of the mochi (shoemaker) community. When the craftspeople received patronage from the royal courts of Kutch and Kathiawad, the intricate aari work began to flourish and be used on textiles and decorative items.

Memory Vault

The "Living Embroideries of Kutch", is a museum in the Living and Learning Design Centre near Ajrakhpur in Kutch. The museum was launched by Shrujan founder and social entrepreneur, the late Chandaben Shroff. The curated works of embroideries in the museum reflect the customs, rituals and the pastoral lifestyles of the people who practise them. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2013 film, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela beautifully explores Kutchi embroideries.

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