Zardozi embroidery (zardosi work) is an ornate metallic embroidery done using the metallic bullion thread / french wire/ metallic spring thread, a shiny circular spiral metal thread in metallic colours of gold and silver.
To add to its sparkling effect, sequins, beads and even precious stones are often incorporated into Zardosi patterns. Historically, Zardosi was reserved for royalty and nobility. The artisans used real gold and silver threads to craft their designs.
The detailed zardosi work looks amazing in person, but a camera can’t capture its full beauty ; atleast mine doesnot.
What is Zardosi embroidery ?
The word zardosi derives from Persian words ‘Zar’ meaning gold and ‘Dosi’ meaning embroidery. In India, this beautiful work was once the prerogative of only the royals. The magnificence of Zardosi embroidery were used only on the garments of kings and queens. Not anymore. If it was, I would not have a box full of these springs in different shades of gold, silver along with different zari thread in many shades.
Of course, at that time, the thread was made from real gold and silver and now the zardosi spring thread is copper wire which is strung into coils and given gold or silver polish.
The zardosi work is traditionally done on stretched fabric with thin Ari needles ( a very fine crochet needle look alike with wooden handles)
Under the Mughal rule in Indian subcontinent, this embroidery technique became an art. Many artisans lived by it but at some point of time the royal patronage was withdrawn and the embroidery saw a decline.
While Zardosi saw a decline during certain periods, recent years have witnessed a revival of this art, especially in high-end fashion couture, especially for wedding dresses – instead of the royals, the brides and even the bride grooms have taken zardosi work in a big way for their trousseau and designers use this work to embellish their signature outfits.
What do you need to do zardosi work
Cotton thread in matching colours
Zari thread ( Gold or silver metallic hand embroidery thread – thisi s used to make an outline stitch – fine chain stitches are worked along the outline.)
Bullion embroidery thread (The spiral bullion thread come in different widths/ sizes as well as in different shades of the golden colour and silver) You have to cut the thread into small pieces appropriate for your design.
Beads, sequins or other embellishments like kundan crystals if you want
Thread snips for cutting the zardosi thread ( never ever use your sewing scissors to cut the thread – they will dull and you will need to read this post on how to sharpen scissors sooner than later)
The fabric of your choice . (You can choose to work this embroidery on linen for everyday clothes but the richness of zardosi work deserves a fabric which befits it. Nothing less than silk, satin or velvet. Zardosi is used mainly on vivid coloured clothes as the colour of the zardosi thread will stand out against them ; like red, rust, emerald green, navy blue etc)
Hoop – To do this work the fabric has to be stretched on a hoop. A nice stretch is necessary to do the work correctly with even tension. Traditionally the zardosi is done on a slate frame called Addaa . Check out more details in the post on the different types of frames used to stretch the fabric. For small work like the ones I will be doing the ordinary embroidery hoop will suffice
Needle – you can use thin beading needles for the work. Ensure they will pass through the fine coils.You also need the needle to work with zari thread
Traditionally the artisans use a special type of zardosi needle – aari needle to do this embroidery. This needle works by pulling the thread from under the fabric and working the zardosi thread into the design. You can use the crochet needle of 5mm for this work. But simple needle and cotton thread can be used to stitch the bullion thread as I have done in this post.
Main stitches used in zardosi work
1. Straight stitch
This is the most basic stitch of zardosi. You work this the same way that back stitch is done. This stitch is also worked inside big designs under filling stitches to form a padding.
2. Stem stitch
This is used for giving outline and for stems of flower designs.
3.Twisted stem stitch
4. Padded slanting stitches
To work this stitch first a straight stitch or two is made as a base and then slanting stitches are done over and above the straight stitch
5. Chain stitches
6. Loops
A loop is formed when you bring up the needle and thread the zardosi piece and then go back some two – three thread near from where you first came up.
7.Lazy daisy
Lazy daisy stitches worked to form a flower. This is a common zardosi motif with the metallic bullion thread. Check out the tutorial to make lazy daisy stitch
8. Surrounding a bead
A bead is usually surrounded by a suitable length of zardosi thread
9. Fish bone stitch
10. Filling stitches
How to make a flower with zardozi work
Zardosi is usually worked by making an outline with the zari thread and then filling the design with the bullion thread.
Outline is done with golden zari thread
Make horizontal stitches on the petals with the bullion thread. This is done for a padding.
Now fill the design with accurately cut zardosi thread
How to stitch a leaf in zardosi work
Work the outline with zari thread
Make vertical stitches with the zardosi thread along the center.
Starting from the middle of the leaf to the tip, fill the leaf on one side
Continue filling the next side
Embroidery stitches like chain stitch, satin stitch, couching stitch and stem stitch are used along with the bullion spring thread stitches. By combining these stitches with the zardosi stitches explained above you can make breathtaking designs in zardosi.
Related posts: Indian embroidery ; Indian fabric prints and patterns ; Step-by-step embroidery stitches
I was desperately looking to make Thakurji ki paushak which had zardozi work done by my grandmother.Could /Did not learn then and was not inclined to replace it with something less . This has beads and zardozi on all seven colours rep the seven days.
Please let me know whether a suitable needle will do. How should the reverse look like .From the ones I have it seems my granny used a crochet .The reverse side suggests. Please tell me is that the back stitch that is used to make circular petals of flowers with a bead in the centre. Then it has cheques in silver within which different types of flowers are made.Ofcourse the double boundary line of tge rectangular paushak is of sitarae, zardozi and pearls.The winter wardrobe is on velvet and the summer on satin . Where can one learn right from tracing else will hv to make tge same pattern. Earlier this was available in Shankar market ,Delhi. I wonder if I will get them now so where they teach will get to know where to get the raw materal from. Crochet No, if you could recommend. Thanks
Thanks for the great photos and clear text. Good info !!
I am sending a photo….our company makes for resale these Victorian Reproduction Ornaments for resale…..do you have gold patch or appliques already made or can you make them for us…..please inform us how we can see your work and what you do and how you can help us….
your designs are awesome & beautiful, could you tell me please the name of those needles for using pedrería?
muchas gracias.
pedrería – you mean the zardosi tube? I use very thin needles (beading needles) for this.
Thanks to tells us very easy way please tell us some other thing that we use to make beautifully designs
i need this