ART 》 Kasuti Embroidery
Folk art of Karnataka-Kasuti Embroidery, Sarees are my passion
Graceful Mysore silk, traditional Ilkal sarees and one of the intricate hand embroidery called Kasuti embroidery hails from Karnataka, the word Kasuti is split across two words Kai which means hand and Suti meaning cotton, the activity which is done through cotton and hands. It was used on everyday apparels. Kasuti Embroidery is been given Geographical Indications, Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation(KHDC) holds a Geographical Indications(GI) protection for Kasuti embroidery.
Different types of stitches used in Kasuti are
- Gavanti
- Murgi
- Negi
- Menthi
Tools and materials required to do Kasuti Embroidery, here is a quick checklist
- Needle
- Embroidery threads
- Graph sheet paper
- Scissors
- Fabric
- Charcoal or pencil
Inspired Motifs
The most prominent motifs are Gopuram which means temple towers, Ratha which means Chariots,
Conch shell, lamps, Palanquin, Cradles, flowerpot, Kalasha, shiva linga, animals which are
Elephants, Parrots, Peacocks, Cows, Bulls, Sparrow, Squirrel, Horse, Deer, Swan, Duck, Rooster,
flowers such as Lotus, Foliages, Jasmine, Marigold, Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum), fruits such as
grapes, Almond also known as Badam, Cashew nuts, Indian rosary beads known as Rudraksha are few
known motifs which are used.
Kasuti products showcasing this art are Kasuti Ilkal saree, Kasuti dress materials, Kasuti table mats, Kasuti Blouses, Kasuti Dupatta, Kasuti scarfs, Kasuti Stoles, Kasuti clutch purses, Kasuti file folder, Kasuti sling bags, Kasuti cushion cover, Kasuti in Kurta materials, Kasuti wall art piece.