Celebrating Life Through PassionCraft vocabulary
Indian crafts and handwork
Explore techniques we can discuss for your design. Suitability depends on the garment, fabric, artisan availability, timeline and budget.
Embroidery & Threadwork
Regional stitches, hooked-needle work and detailed hand embroidery.
Aari / Maggam Work
Fine hooked chain-stitch work that can hold zari, beads and sequins.
Learn about this technique ↗Zardozi
Rich raised embroidery using metallic threads, coils, beads and stones.
Learn about this technique ↗Chikankari
Delicate Lucknow threadwork known for shadow stitches, jaali and subtle texture.
Learn about this technique ↗Kutch Embroidery
Vibrant Gujarati embroidery with geometric stitches and regional motifs.
Learn about this technique ↗Phulkari
Colourful Punjabi embroidery built from expressive floral and geometric darn stitches.
Learn about this technique ↗Kantha
Layered Bengali running-stitch work that creates illustrated, textured surfaces.
Learn about this technique ↗Kasuti
Counted-thread Karnataka embroidery with precise architectural and nature motifs.
Learn about this technique ↗Kashida & Sozni
Kashmiri embroidery inspired by flowers, leaves and finely worked satin stitches.
Learn about this technique ↗Mukaish / Badla Work
Tiny flattened metallic pieces worked into fabric for a delicate dotted shimmer.
Learn about this technique ↗Metallic & Surface Embellishment
Reflective, dimensional and decorative finishes for festive and occasionwear.
Zari Work
Gold- or silver-toned thread used in weaving, borders and ornate embroidery.
Learn about this technique ↗Gota Patti
Rajasthani appliqué using metallic ribbon cut and stitched into decorative motifs.
Learn about this technique ↗Mirror / Shisha Work
Small reflective pieces secured with decorative stitches for festive sparkle.
Learn about this technique ↗Sequin Work
Flat or dimensional reflective discs arranged as borders, motifs or all-over texture.
Learn about this technique ↗Bead, Pearl & Stone Work
Hand-applied beads, pearls, crystals and rhinestones for texture and shine.
Learn about this technique ↗Appliqué & Patchwork
Layered or joined fabric pieces used to create contrast, motifs and dimension.
Learn about this technique ↗Hand Printing & Resist Dyeing
Pattern created through carved blocks, hand drawing, binding and yarn-resist processes.
Ajrakh
Multi-stage block printing recognised for deep indigo, madder and geometric repeats.
Learn about this technique ↗Kalamkari
Hand-painted or block-printed textile storytelling traditionally made with natural dyes.
Learn about this technique ↗Bandhani
Fine tie-dye made by binding many tiny points before dyeing the fabric.
Learn about this technique ↗Leheriya
Rajasthani resist-dye recognised by its flowing diagonal wave patterns.
Learn about this technique ↗Ikat
Patterned cloth created by resist-dyeing yarns before they are woven.
Learn about this technique ↗