Kasuti Embroidery
from Karnataka
It's not a bold statement to make that Indians are in love with embroidery. Throughout history, Indians have witnessed the emergence of several embroidery types. Visit any corner of the Indian subcontinent and you will find a local embroidery style that you cannot take your eyes off of. It has always been an integral part of India's rich cultural heritage. As each region boasts its embroidery style, Karnataka proudly showcases its exquisite Kasuti embroidery. Kasuti, an amalgamation of two words, Kai and Suti is a traditional art form that has woven its way into the hearts of embroidery experts. In this blog, we'll dive deep into the history, types, stitches, motifs, and colours of Kasuti embroidery, and explore how Kasuti of Karnataka continues to captivate people even today.
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Origin & History of Kasuti Embroidery
Kasuti embroidery finds its roots in the state of Karnataka, India, and its history dates back to the 7th century A.D. Originated in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, it’s an art form that flourished and evolved all over Karnataka while holding the hands of women. An intricate embroidery type, Kasuti is a style that also bears resemblance to embroidery styles popular in Austria, Hungary and Spain.
Being a very complex embroidery style, Kasuti embroidery can take up to a month or more to show off its true beauty. The tradition of Kasuti embroidery began with the purpose of decorating Ilkal sarees. As time went on, it became a ritual for new brides in Karnataka to drape a black silk Chandrakali saree with detailed Kasuti work on it. Over time, this art form expanded its horizons, and from being an embroidery limited to bodices, skirts, kulai, bonnets and capes to pallav of a sari, today, it graces a variety of fabrics and products that you cannot stop counting. It’s a generational artwork that mothers pass on to daughters and keep creating stunning light thread works on dark, deep tones.
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Different Stitches of Kasuti Embroidery
The extensive repertoire of stitches in Kasuti embroidery makes it unique, charming and complex. 4 types of stitches go into Kasuti embroidery:
1. Gavanti Stitch
A double running line stitch, this straight stitch comes alive by stitching horizontally, diagonally or vertically. From appearing the same on both sides to being one of the most common stitch forms, it's the base for complex stitches.
Image Credit:- Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials
2. Murgi Stitch
When zigzag running stitches are stitched uniformly while maintaining the same distance between each stitch, you get a murgi stitch. With a resemblance to gavanti stitch, it also appears the same on both sides.
Image Credit:- Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials
3. Neygi Stitch
With no similarity in semblance on both sides, it’s easy to decide the right and wrong side of a cloth adorned with neygi stitch. The woven patterns of neygi stitch are a joy to look at.
Image Credit:- Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials
4. Menthi Stitch
A variation of the cross-stitch, this style appears heavy and requires extensive threadwork.
Image Credit:- Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials
With thorough requirements of skill, patience, and a keen eye for detail, Kasuti embroidery is a product of artisans’ love for this craft.
Motifs and Patterns of Kasuti Embroidery of Karnataka
Kasuti embroidery is famous for its traditional motifs and patterns such as chariot, conch, palanquin, lotus, birds like swans, peacocks, and parrots, and animals like squirrels, elephants, bulls, and deers. Along with these motifs, you will also notice elements such as flower pots, cradles, tulsi trees, or castles in Kasuti embroidery adorned items.
Popular Colours Used for Kasuti Embroidery
Kasuti embroidery mostly features bold and vibrant colours that stand out against the light shaded threads. Black, red, green, and yellow are the predominant fabric shades for a stunning contrast using white, and yellow threads. Kasuti embroidery is indeed a visual delight that started its journey as a way to offer presents with this embroidery work to new parents. With decades of honed skills, it has turned into an embroidery work that now art enthusiasts worldwide love.
Kasuti Embroidery Today
Kasuti embroidery has broken the barrier of time and is still very much alive and thriving. From being limited in Karnataka to an embroidery style that has spread its wings globally, it’s a journey of love, passion, and understanding of artwork. You can find Kasuti embroidery gracing not only sarees but also items like blouses, dresses, bags, pillow covers, and more.
Types of Products Made Using Kasuti Embroidery
As your search for Kasuti embroidery products is ongoing, you are not far away from a source of gems, iTokri. Finding quality, handcrafted items with Kasuti design patterns is similar to finding a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry!
The perfect solution to your long search is right at your fingertips now. Check the collection of iTokri where there are nearly 100 Kasuti embroidery products listed directly sourced from local artisans. Whether you want a Gavanti Kasuti embroidery cushion cover or a Kasuti embroidery handloom dupatta, you have a range of exquisite options to turn into additions to your home. Show off the timeless beauty of Dharwad Kasuti Embroidery.
Kasuti embroidery is proof of the artistry of our people. With its fascinating history, intricate stitches, and vibrant motifs, it's no wonder that this embroidery style continues to capture the hearts of customers all over the world. Its adaptation to contemporary fashion and home decor ensures that Kasuti of Karnataka i s here to stay and will continue to win the hearts of people.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kasuti Embroidery
Which state is Kasuti embroidery from?Kasuti embroidery hails from the state of Karnataka in India. Kasuti Embroidery origin in Dharwad district and from there it spread all over India and the globe.
What products are made using Kasuti embroidery?Kasuti embroidery is seen on clothing items such as sarees, blouses, dresses, cushion covers, table runners, dress materials, dupatta, bodice, skirts and several home decor elements.
Which fabric is used in Kasuti?There is no restriction on fabric types to create Kasuti embroidery works. From silk to cotton and georgette textiles, it’s everywhere.
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