EMBROIDERIES OF INDIA / AARI WORK / ADVANTAGES

The advantage of Aari is that

- it is very small and so intricate embroidery is possible.

- Beads, sequins or small spirals of gold or silver wire may also be used in between to add sparkle to the work.

- The whole process is done very fast, while maintaining perfect tension of the thread.

- Several artisans may work on a single piece together. This relieves the tedium of a big piece of work, which may take a month to finish.

- It also allows slightly less experienced artisans to learn by working on the borders and less intricate motifs.

Aari work also involves the use of beads and a special needle known as muthia, which is similar to a crochet needle. Muthia is used for zardozi work, in which kallavattu, sitara (sequins), moti (pearl), salma are trapped. Some main varieties of this work are Dabka, Salma, Nakshi, Aara and Gota.

The work of the Aari craftsman ends here.

Once aari work is done on the fabric, the process of converting this piece of work into a finished product is done by other units. For making a garment, the fabric is sent to a tailoring unit or in the case of a sari or scarf it may need edging or surface finishing.

Today these techniques are used to produce a wide range of decorative bedcovers, cushion covers, purses and handbags, wall hangings, and garments. These find their way into the local as well as international market.