Kutch Embroidery

The World-Class Threads & Needle Craft Of Kutch Gujarat

Kutch Embroidery, the most distinctive handicraft, and textile signature art derive its name from its origin – the Kutch region of Gujarat. This embroidery with its rich designs has made a notable contribution to the Indian embroidery traditions.  It is characterized by its use of bright colors, mirrors, beads, and intricate, extensive embroidery that embellishes the entire base fabric.
Usually crafted on cotton or silk fabric, Kutch embroidery is done with silk or woolen thread using fine stitches to create detailed and elaborate patterns. Motifs and designs draw inspiration from romantic, architectural, human motifs of Persian and Mughal art. The embroidery is further embellished with mirrors, shells, and beads placed strategically in between or around the patterns. Mirrors or abhla are an inherent part of many embroidery styles in Kutch, making the fabrics glisten and shine.
The history of the Kutch Embroidery is traced to the 16th and 17th centuries when people migrated from Afghanistan, Greece, Germany, Iran, and Iraq to Gujarat. It is said that the origin of Kutch embroidery goes back to ‘mochis’, the community of shoemakers, who worked on royal textiles and decorative objects. It is believed that this unique style of embroidery was brought about by Kathi cattle breeders, a group of wanderers associated with Karna of the Mahabharat.  Over time – their work evolved to produce the fine needlework that characterizes Kutch embroidery.
There are up to 16 different types(Suf, khaarek, paako, Rabari, Garasia Jat, and Mutava, etc.) of embroideries known in Gujarat, each belonging to a different community such as Rabari, Garasia Jat, and Mutava. All of these communities have their own, unique style of embroidery, different motifs, patterns that give them a visual identity.