Chikankari Sarees

Chikankari Sarees: The Elegant Choice

The chikankari weaving is something that can elevate a simple saree’s look greatly making the saree an appealing choice for women on any occasion. Chikankari sarees come from the town of Lucknow which is known for its major Mughal influence that can be seen even in the chikankari weaving style.

Artwork of Chikankari Sari 

The art of Chikankari became widespread with time as more and more women used chikankari to elevate the already beautiful embroidery work on their sarees and other pieces of clothing. These sarees have a subtle elegance that makes the saree attractive and the art of chikankari is such that it can be done on various different fabrics like cotton, linen, georgette, chiffon and so on. The beautiful chikankari artwork masterfully displays the amazing blend of Mughal designs with the traditional saree. This amazing blend of beautiful chikankari designs is what makes women love beautiful chikankari saris.  

Facts about Chikankari Sarees

The beautiful chikankari sarees are more amazing because of the varied history behind them. There are some noteworthy facts that you might not know about the beautiful chikankari sarees. 

The art of Chikankari is believed to have been popularised in India by Nur Jehan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir. It was brought to India to the courts of Jahangir by the Persians

Chikankari is also called shadow work. It is an elegant art of intricate embroidery done with only a needle on the fabric. The needlework requires utmost time and precision, to create beautiful patterns and designs.

The name chikankari is said to be derived from the Persian word 'chakin' which means creating delicate patterns on a piece of fabric. However, there are other theories that connect this craft to the state of Bengal, where the word means fine. Yet another story suggests the word is derived from a version of 'chikeen', which referred to a coin of Rs 4 for which the work was sold in the past.

Chikankari embroidery features numerous patterns and designs like muree, lerchi, keelkangan and bakhia. It has a detailed form of embroidery that uses motifs of Mughal architectural themes and designs.

Earlier the fabrics were embroidered using white thread only but with time, coloured threads started being used to set a trend and keep it updated with contemporary trends.

What makes Indian Chikankari sarees special? 

Chikankari is a traditional form of hand embroidery that originated from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Its intricate designs and delicate patterns on fine cloth like muslin, georgette, crepe, and cotton make them special as it requires skilled craftsmanship and an eye for detail to create priceless elegance. The labour-intensive hand-embroidered motifs make every piece unique and a priceless possession in one's wardrobe.

At Karigiri, we have the best collection of Chikankari Sareen for online purchase. You can find a wide variety of Chikankari work ranging from shadow work to jaali work with varied stitches like backstitch, satin and chain stitch makes every saree unique. Chikankari sarees are lightweight, and breathable and let you step out with confidence and elegance. A perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, Chikankari sarees are the prized possession that every woman cherishes. Chikankari sarees are elegant and can be adorned in both classic and contemporary styles on any and every occasion.

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

How to wash Chikankari Sarees?

Chikankari Sarees are very delicate and therefore have to be cared for accordingly. The different fabrics of a this saree require different kinds of care like:

Silk sarees should always be dry cleaned

Cotton sarees can be hand washed using mild soap and water

Never dry the sarees in the sun, as it can lead to fading of the colour

Do not keep your saree in the closet in the same condition for a long period, take them out to air them and refold them to maintain the creases

Which type of jewellery one should wear with a Chikankari Saree?

Diamond Jewellery is the best kind of jewellery for these sarees. The simple sarees in white colour can be perfectly complemented by a simple diamond necklace. Colourful chikankari sarees can even be paired with gold jewellery for the perfect look on any occasion.

How to identify the original chikankari saree?

To determine whether the chikankari on your saree is real or not, it is recommended that one should look at the kind of embroidery the saree has. If it is crafted by hand, the saree is bound to have French knots, shadow stitch and criss-cross embroidery. In the machine-work, you will not find these types of embroideries.

Where is Chikankari Saree famous & why?

Chikankari Sarees are mostly popular in Lucknow as the sarees come from that region and women love to wear these amazing sarees for their beautiful looks. The saree online is also popular around the country for the beauty it holds.

Chikankari sarees are an exquisite form of hand-embroidery that originates from the northern region of India, Lucknow. The embroidery is usually done on light-weight fabrics like cotton, muslin, chiffon, georgette, or silk. The intricate embroidery patterns are done with white cotton thread on pastel and light-coloured fabrics.

Chikankari sarees are known for their delicate and intricate designs, which include floral patterns, paisleys, and intricate vines. The embroidery work is done on different parts of the saree, including the pallu, border, and the body of the saree, making it an elegant and beautiful piece of clothing.

Chikankari sarees are perfect for any occasion, be it a wedding, festival, or a casual gathering. The intricate embroidery work on these sarees makes them a timeless classic that can be passed down from generation to generation.

If you're looking to buy chikankari sarees online, Karagiri offers a wide range of options to choose from. You can browse through our collection of handcrafted chikankari sarees and choose from different fabrics, designs, and colours. Our sarees are made with the finest quality materials and are handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring that each piece is unique and beautiful.

In conclusion, chikankari sarees are a beautiful representation of the rich Indian heritage and culture. The delicate embroidery work and intricate designs make them a timeless classic that every woman should own. You can buy chikankari sarees online on Karagiri and add this beautiful piece of clothing to your wardrobe.