A Journey into Kutchi Embroidery

Embracing Tradition, Inspiring Innovation

Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Kutchi embroidery, a centuries-old craft that continues to captivate and inspire.

Geetaben’s mother, at the age of 80 years, still embroiders daily

Meet the Master: Geetaben Meriya
Geetaben, 6th-generation embroidery artisan from Kutch, India, recently visited the Netherlands at the invitation of Textiel Factorij. This marked her first trip outside of India, making it a significant milestone in her journey as an artisan. Her journey provided a unique opportunity to share her expertise and connect with Dutch audiences.

The Meghwaad-Gurjar Tradition
Hailing from the Meghwaad-Gurjar community, Geetaben embodies a tradition of intricate embroidery passed down through generations. This distinctive craft style is deeply rooted in the community’s lifestyle, with embroidered products serving both utilitarian and symbolic purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

Key Features of Meghwaad-Gurjar and Ahir Embroidery

  • Motifs: Vibrant bird and animal motifs, including parrots, peacocks, sparrows, elephants
  • , and scorpions, are often used.
  • Stitches: The intricate stitches, such as sankli (chain stitch), vana (herringbone stitch), bakhiya, and dana, create detailed patterns and designs.
  • Mirrors: Tiny mirrors are a hallmark of Kutchi embroidery, adding a touch of sparkle and reflecting the vibrant colors.
  • Products: A wide range of products are adorned with Kutchi embroidery, including torans (door hangings), chaklas (rolling pins), bags, quilts, cushions, belts, children’s caps, and baby cradles.

Geetaben’s journey provided a unique opportunity to share her expertise and connect with Dutch audiences. In Geetaben demonstrates how to attach an abhla to fabric. Together we developed a mirror embroidery DIY kit for you, which you can order here.