The embroidery work of Kutch, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar districts are famous in Gujarat. The Gujarati embroidery work is sought after by women across the country and outside as well. Today, even designers experiment with different patterns making use of the varied stitches of these embroidery forms.
When it comes to embroidery work, the different patterns are named after each tribe or caste settled in different regions of Gujarat. The designs differ from village to village, says Raksha P Bhatt, who leads a group of over 50 women in various embroidery works in the Bhuj region. The intricate hand-woven designs by these women deserve special mention.
Embroideries of various patterns are done on sarees, skirts, dress materials, cholis, bed spreads, cushion and pillow covers, table cloth, hand bags and exclusive design patches which are attached to readymade garments.
Ahir, Mutwa, Pako, the Jat and Neran works are some of the different embroidery patterns famous in Gujarat. Of these, Mutwa and Pako designs are difficult art works and it consumes more time to work on a single piece of garment, adds Raksha.
While some women are creative enough in designing their own patters, some seek training and take up embroidery work. They get on to the job in their free time during the day. "This not only helps them in earning an extra income, it also helps in keeping our traditional craft of embroidery alive," says Raksha.
Hardik J Shah of Reema Handicrafts, who hails from Bhimjipur in Ahmedabad, is into designing and selling embroidered bags, mobile pouches and folders. He specialises in the Pako work, patch work and mirror work. From traditional embroidery patterns of Gujarat to modern designs, Hardik creates a variety of patterns catering the tastes of the modern day youngsters. With more demand for his products, he is shortly planning to have a website of his own to extend online sales of his creations.
Many like Raksha and Hardik from Gujarat were part of the Gujarat Handloom and Handicrafts fair held in Bangalore recently. Each one of them had their own unique products up for sale. Embroidery work, especially on kurtas, dress materials and bags were very much in demand.
Embroidery is a traditional art form, but garments with embroidery work especially skirt tops and kurtis go well with modern dresses like jeans and trousers as well thus making a bold fashion statement. In all, the intricate designs and the colour combinations used in the centuries-old Gujarat embroidery work is sure to leave you spellbound.
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