Journal · 30 guides
Embroidery and fancy work
Embroidery, lace and borders on the outfits we stitch, and embroidery on your own fabric or garment.
- 4 min readTypes of Pakistani embroidery, explainedA plain guide to the main types of Pakistani embroidery, from resham thread work and zardozi to gota, mirror work, aari and phulkari, and how to ask for each.Read
- 3 min readResham embroidery: a guide to silk thread workWhat resham embroidery is, the stitches behind it, which fabrics carry it well, how to keep colours bright in the wash, and how to ask for resham work on a kameez.Read
- 3 min readWhat is zardozi? Metal thread embroidery explainedZardozi embroidery explained: the meaning of the word, dabka, nakshi and salma wire, how the work is made on a frame, which fabrics carry it, and how to care for it.Read
- 3 min readTilla work explained: metallic thread embroideryWhat tilla work is, how hand tilla and machine tilla differ, which fabrics and colours suit it, how to stop it tarnishing and how to ask for tilla work on an outfit.Read
- 3 min readGota work explained: ribbons, edges and gota pattiGota work explained: what gota ribbon is made of, gota kinari edges and gota patti shapes, the fabrics and colours it suits, its care and how to ask for it.Read
- 4 min readZardozi vs tilla vs gota: which metallic work to chooseZardozi vs tilla vs gota, side by side: how the three metallic finishes differ in look, weight, care and fabric, which occasions each suits and how to combine them.Read
- 3 min readMirror work embroidery: a guide to shishaMirror work embroidery explained: how shisha mirrors are held in stitches, Sindhi and Balochi styles, the fabrics it suits, washing, and asking for a mirror kurta.Read
- 3 min readAari work explained: hooked-needle chain stitchWhat aari work is: the hooked needle and frame behind it, how to recognise aari chain stitch, the sheer fabrics it suits, why it can unravel and how to ask for it.Read
- 3 min readChikankari embroidery: shadow work and fine stitchesChikankari embroidery explained: its Lucknow roots, the main stitches from shadow work to jaali, how to spot machine copies, the fabrics it needs and how to wash it.Read
- 3 min readPhulkari embroidery: Punjab’s flower work explainedPhulkari embroidery explained: Punjab’s darning-stitch flower work, phulkari vs bagh, modern phulkari dupattas and how to build a whole outfit around one.Read
- 3 min readCutwork embroidery on kameez hems, sleeves and dupattasCutwork embroidery explained: eyelet, Richelieu, scalloped and laser-cut edges, the fabrics that hold them, lining choices, length planning and how to ask for it.Read
- 3 min readAppliqué work on kameez and dupattas, explainedAppliqué work explained: shapes of one fabric stitched onto another, Sindhi ralli, modern organza and velvet appliqué, edge finishes and how to ask for it.Read
- 3 min readKashida embroidery: Kashmiri thread work explainedKashida embroidery explained: what the word means, Kashmiri sozni and chain stitch, chinar and paisley motifs, the winter fabrics it suits and how to care for it.Read
- 3 min readSequins and beadwork on a kameez: a practical guideA practical guide to sequin and bead work: sitara, pearls, cutdana and nalki, how each is attached, where it sits comfortably, quality checks and aftercare.Read
- 3 min readHow to tell good quality embroidery on a suitHow to tell good quality embroidery on a suit or unstitched pack: check the back, density, puckering, symmetry and materials, and what to agree before stitching.Read
- 4 min readAdding embroidery to a made-to-measure outfitHow to add embroidery, lace or borders to an outfit we stitch to your measurements: choosing a level, placing the work and what your written quote confirms.Read
- 4 min readDelicate, detailed or statement embroidery: which level?What delicate, detailed and statement embroidery mean on our quote form, how each looks on a kameez or kurta, and how to pick a level for work, Eid or a party.Read
- 4 min readWhere to place embroidery on a kameez or kurtaA practical guide to embroidery placement on a kameez or kurta: neckline, sleeves, hem, back and dupatta borders, and how each choice changes the look and wear.Read
- 4 min readLace and border work on a made-to-measure suitHow lace and border work can be planned into a made-to-measure suit: where lace sits best, how borders are matched across pieces and what to tell us in your quote.Read
- 4 min readChoosing embroidery for hot and cold climatesHow climate should shape your embroidery choices: lighter, breathable work for Gulf heat and humid summers, and richer work on winter fabrics for colder countries.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidery on your own fabric: how it worksHow standalone embroidery on your own fabric works: photos first, our confirmation, posting it to Pakistan, and the finished piece shipped back, charges included.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidery on a garment you already ownWant embroidery added to a kurta, kameez or abaya you already own? What makes a finished garment suitable, which photos to send and how the two shipping stages work.Read
- 4 min readSending a reference photo of embroidery you likeHow to choose and send a reference photo of embroidery for your quote: the shots to include, showing scale and colour, and what to say about the parts you like.Read
- 4 min readPlanning an embroidered Eid outfit made to measureHow to plan an embroidered Eid outfit made to measure: choosing the level and placement, balancing kameez and dupatta, seasonal fabric and ordering in good time.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidered party wear, made to measurePlanning embroidered party wear made to measure for dinners, dholkis, mehndis and wedding events as a guest: levels, placement, cuts and fabrics for photos.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidered kurtas made to measure, from desk to dinnerHow to order an embroidered kurta made to measure: work for office, weekend or occasion wear, neckline and cuff ideas, fabrics and what to put in your quote.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidered co-ord sets made to measurePlanning an embroidered co-ord set made to measure: where the work sits on the top and trousers, keeping the pieces in proportion and fabrics for a matching set.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidered abayas made to measure: placement and planningHow to plan an embroidered abaya made to measure: where embroidery sits on sleeves, front edges and back, a level for daily or Eid wear, and what to ask for.Read
- 4 min readLooking after embroidered clothes between wearsEveryday care for embroidered clothes: airing and spot cleaning after wearing, pressing from the reverse, packing for travel and storing between seasons.Read
- 4 min readEmbroidery and lining: scratch, sheerness and comfortWhy embroidered areas can feel scratchy or show through sheer fabric, and how lining, facings and placement keep an embroidered kameez, kurta or abaya comfortable.Read
Ready when you are
Ready to order made to measure?
Upload a photo of your fabric or describe the outfit and we’ll send a written quote, with delivery to the UK, Europe or the USA.
No commitment until you approve your written quote.