Hey Fashion Family! We talk a lot about the beauty and contemporary elegance of our Hathkatti pieces, but have you ever paused to think about the journey each garment takes? The soul of our brand lies in the age-old art of Chikankari, a delicate hand-embroidery originating right here in the heart of Lucknow.
Chikankari is more than just threadwork; it's a meditative craft that transforms simple fabric into wearable poetry. It's a testament to the skill, patience, and cultural heritage of our incredible local artisans.
Ready to pull back the curtain? Let’s explore the six traditional steps that bring this exquisite art form to life.
Steps to Perfection: How Chikankari is Created
The entire process is done by hand, involving specialized techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Step 1: Drafting the Design (Chhapai or Block Printing)
The journey begins with the Naqshaband (the designer) creating the unique design pattern.
- The pattern is carved onto wooden blocks.
- The block is dipped into a temporary, soluble blue dye (often made from indigo) and pressed firmly onto the fabric.
- This transfer process leaves a precise, guiding blueprint for the embroiderer.
Did You Know? This initial step requires great precision, as the quality of the final embroidery depends on a clear, well-stamped design.
Step 2: The Art of Embroidery (Kadhai)
This is where the magic truly happens! The fabric is handed over to the Karigar (artisan). The cloth is securely fitted into a circular or square frame (Adda) to maintain tension.
- The artisan uses a variety of specialized needles and cotton or silk thread.
- Traditionally, Chikankari involves 32 different types of stitches, each creating a unique texture and effect.
- Common stitches include Tepchi (running stitch), Bakhiya (shadow work), Phanda (knotted work), and Jaali (net-like pattern).
Our Hathkatti artisans are experts at using minimal, fine stitches on contemporary silhouettes, ensuring the focus remains on elegance and fit.
Step 3: Washing and Cleaning (Dhoalai)
After weeks or even months of intricate embroidery, the garment is ready for its bath!
- The fabric is soaked in water to remove the temporary blue dye from Step 1.
- The washing process requires utmost care to protect the delicate handwork.
- Sometimes, starch or bleaching agents are used carefully to enhance the whiteness and sheen of the threadwork.
Step 4: Starched Finishing (Pachhai)
To give the fabric a crisp, premium look and feel, it undergoes a light starching process. This helps the stitches stand out beautifully and gives the garment its characteristic structure.
Step 5: Ironing and Pressing (Istri)
The finished garment is carefully pressed and ironed. This step not only removes creases but also sets the embroidery, ensuring a flawless and professional presentation that is ready for the final inspection.
Step 6: Final Quality Check
Every Hathkatti piece undergoes a rigorous quality check to ensure:
- The embroidery is perfectly executed.
- There are no remaining guide marks.
- The final fit and finish meet our high standards of contemporary elegance.
The Hathkatti Commitment: Artistry Meets Modernity
When you choose a Chikankari top or coord set from Hathkatti, you are wearing a piece that has been patiently created, step-by-step, by the skilled hands of a Lucknow artisan. You are celebrating a process rooted in tradition, refined for the modern wardrobe.
We honor this heritage by ensuring our artisans are fairly compensated for their magnificent work, continuing the cycle of craft and culture.
The next time you wear your Hathkatti piece, feel the whisper of the needle and the thousands of stories woven into the fabric!
