Chikankari – What do we teach:
- Phanda: Phanda is a small, circular-shaped stitch commonly used in Chikankari work. It is created by making tiny, evenly spaced knots on the fabric, forming raised dots. Phanda stitches are often used to fill spaces within larger motifs.
- Jaali: Jaali, also known as network, involves creating a delicate lattice or net-like pattern. The fabric is carefully cut, and threads are drawn out to form a grid-like structure. The threads are then embroidered with fine stitches to create intricate designs.
- Tepchi: Tepchi is a running stitch and one of the basic stitches in Chikankari work. It is created by passing the needle and thread through the fabric in a straight line. Tepchi stitches are used for outlining motifs, creating borders, or filling in areas with parallel lines.
- Murri: Murri work adds texture and dimension to Chikankari embroidery. It involves creating tiny knots or beads with a needle and thread. Murri stitches are used to form raised dots or motifs on the fabric, adding a decorative element to the design.
- Bakhia: Bakhia stitch is a flat stitch used in Chikankari embroidery. It is created by making diagonal or slanted stitches on the fabric, usually in a crisscross pattern. Bakhia stitch is used to fill spaces within larger designs or to create geometric patterns.
Zari – What do we teach:
- Sewing ornamental designs by hand over stamped or stencilled patterns on fabric
- Stitching ‘baithan’ (cloth which forms base) to string loops of ‘karchob’ or ‘adda’ (embroidery frame)
- Cutting zari material into pieces of required size with scissors
- Threading needle with yarn and stitching the ‘zari’ pieces and beads, etc. neatly
- Removing embroidered fabric from frame
- Understanding of different kind of fabrics like cotton, silk, velvet, etc.
- Knowledge of special zardozi material like kora, kangani, sadi, nakshi, beads, etc.
- In-depth knowledge of various zardozi material and their designs
- Knowledge of needle work and thread work
- Knowledge of different types of embroidery stitches
- Knowledge of how to use and care for equipment
Community Development – What do we do:
- Awareness sessions on Mother and Child Health
- Awareness sessions on Menstrual Hygiene for Adolescent Girls
- Building Understanding on Gender-Based Violence
- Continuing education at Elementary and Advanced Level
- Legal Aid on matters relating to Violence Against Women.