Zardosi and Zari work

Zardosi and Zari work are popular embroidery works used in almost all kinds of clothing especially in Indian and Indo Western wear, home furnishings and accessories. This embroidery is the earliest and has ancient origin. During mughal times kings wore clothes embroidered with zari and zardosi work. This embroidery work has a very rich look and is expensive. Zardosi and Zari are shiny circular metallic threads which look like wires and are available in gold, silver and in other colors too. They are available in various widths. 

The images below will clearly shows what is zari and zardosi work

Zari embroidered motif done using tiny chain stitches

The fabric is first stretched and fixed uniformly on a big wooden frame. The design or the motif is traced on it and then embroidery is done. This embroidery uses a hook to do the stitch.The stitches used are chain stitch, satin stitch, couching, running and stem stitch. The embroidery is usually combined with other types of embroidery work like sequins work, bead work, resham work, kora work, gotta work, stone work, applique work etc.

Zardosi embroidery is done along with stone work

Zari work has a flat look whereas zardosi has a thick three dimensional look. Zardosi work is more heavier compared to zari work and is more expensive too. Though lots of other colors are used gold and silver are the most popular colors. Zari embroidery can be done on any fabric ranging from light weight to heavy weight. Heavy zardosi can be done on medium to heavy weight fabrics. Light weight fabrics would not be able to take the weight of zardosi work if the work is done heavily. 

zardosi work is done combined with sequins and bead work. 

As you can see in the above images where zardosi work is done, the motif or the design is outlined with zari embroidery where chain stitch is used and thus giving a well defined outline.

Applications

This embroidery is widely used in kurtis, salwars, sarees, lehengas, sherwanis, anarkalis, dupattas, lehenga sarees, wall hangings, cushion cases, pillow cases, mojris etc.