Chikankari is not just an embroidery, it's a journey of patience, art, and heart. At GAJRA, each piece goes through a slow, soulful process that turns fabric into a story worth wearing. From the first sketch to the final stitch, every step is done by hand, with love.
Here’s how our women artisans bring your luxury clothing to life:
1. Block Carving
The first step in the Chikankari journey begins with block carving, where highly skilled craftsmen hand-chisel the khakha (design) onto wooden blocks. This ancestral skill is passed down through generations, ensuring precision and detail in every motif.
These wooden blocks are the unsung heroes of premium women clothes, silently shaping designs that never go out of style.
2. Block Printing (Chappai)
Next, the carved block is dipped in a solution of neel, amber (gum), and water, then stamped by hand onto fabric. This ancient technique, known as chappai, lays the path for embroidery.
These blocks are old carved treasures passed down as heirlooms. This is where expensive brands and slow fashion find common ground, honouring time instead of chasing trends.
3. Hand Embroidery
Now comes the most cherished stage, hand embroidery. Women artisans carefully follow the printed patterns, stitching using a range of Chikankari techniques like Bakhiya, Phanda, Keel, and Jali. There are nearly 32 known stitches in this art form, each with its own elegance.
At GAJRA, we take pride in showcasing even the most complex stitches making our garments not just beautiful, but living art in the world of high end brand couture.
4. Embellishments
Chikankari comes alive when paired with traditional hand embellishments. One of the most loved is Mukaish - a technique that involves hand-twisting metallic strips into the fabric to create a subtle shimmer. Other embellishments include ghas patti.
These hand-done touches elevate your outfit into the realm of luxury fashion, where detail meets elegance, and no two pieces are ever the same.
5. Washing
The formulas used to remove the printing dye are often family secrets, passed down only from The traditional wash adds an authentic glow to our premium women's clothes.
6. Stitching and Finishing
Once washed, the fabric is stitched by our skilled tailors and undergoes a thorough quality check. Every piece is then carefully packed and shipped to you, ready to become a timeless part of your wardrobe.
GAJRA isn’t just another name among expensive brands, we are a celebration of craft, culture, and conscious style. So, the next time you wear Chikankari, know that you’re wearing history, craftsmanship, and a story stitched just for you.