Our Craft
Delicacy & Intricacy
Chikankari
ChikanKari is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, India. Literally translated, the word means embroidery, and it is one of Lucknow's best known textile decoration styles. The process of chikankari includes the following steps: DesignEngraving, Block printing, Embroidery, Washing and finishing.
The patterns and effects created depend on the stitches and the thicknesses of the threads used, and at Akstagga we use minimum of 1 to 3 strands to derive the intricacy we desire. It consists of 32 stitches: Chikankari-Tepchi , Bakhiya, Hool ,Zanzeera, Rahet, BanarsiKhatau, Phanda, Murri ,Jali ,Turpai, Darzdari, Pechani, Bijli, Ghaspatti, Makra, Kauri, Hathkadi, Banjkali, Sazi, Karan, Kapkapi, Madrazi, Bulbul-chasm, Taj Mahal, Janjeera, Kangan, Dhania-patti, Rozan, Meharki, Chanapatti, Baalda, Jora, Keel kangan, Bulbul, Sidhaul, Ghas ki patti
Sequins Work
Sequins have a rich history and to this day are a vital component of many folklore art traditions around the world. Sequins add a festive look to any dress. They are mostly small, flat and round, but beyond that, they come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. There are sequins for every task and every personality and they make it easy to create unique clothing, decorations, and artwork. Almost all of the leading designers in India promote and showcase their collections with Sequin work playing an important role. Sequin work has always made a grand style statement for designers across the globe. Sequins are a favorite in the list of adornments to add effect to any dress, right from casuals to formal wear & party wear. Subtle Sequins are great for day wear. Sequins are available in different geometrical shapes and sizes. In modern times, sequins are made out of plastic. Sequin work is used on fabrics to give it a more ‘rich’ and ‘noble’ appeal.
Zardozi
The most opulent form of Indian embroidery is the Zari and the Zardozi or Zardosi, known since the late 16th century, brought in India by the Moghuls. The word Zardozi comes from the two Persian words Zar & gold and Dozi & embroidery. This form uses metallic thread.
Once real gold and silver thread was used, on silk, brocade and velvet fabric. Metal ingots were melted and pressed through perforated steel sheets to convert into wires, which then were hammered to the required thinness. Plain wire is called 'badla', and when wound round a thread, it is called 'kasav'. Smaller spangles are called 'sitara' and tiny dots made of badla are called 'mukais' or 'mukesh'.
Zardozi is either a synonym or a more elaborate version of zari where the gold or silver embroidery is embellished with pearls and precious stones, 'gota' and 'kinari', making this art only affordable by rich people. Nowadays Zardosi thread has a plastic core and a golden-coloured outside. The thread consists of coiled metal wires placed on the right side of the fabric and couched with a thinner thread.
Resham Work
Resham embroidery, is an embroidery that is done with coloured silk thread. For Resham embroidery, the thread or resham is used for making complex patterns. The best part of this kind of embroidery is reflected in its use for making elaborate as well as intricate patterns that can be in the form of floral pattern, paisley pattern or even other decorative pattern that features a creeper like design. The look and feel of the entire embroidery pattern on an outfit depends upon the use of resham threads. An elegant look is achieved when a single strand of resham thread is used with a similar fabric colour. However, if you wish to have a more elaborate look, you can use several strands of Resham threads on both similar and contrast fabric making the outfit colourful, vibrant and extremely alluring. Traditioally, Resham embroidery is done particularly with hand.