Fashion Designing Master Course with Textile Science, Embroidery, Garment Construction, Illustration, Styling, Draping, CAD

1. Embroidery

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread (or yarn). It involves various stitches to create motifs, patterns, and textures. It can be done by hand or with a machine. Traditional embroidery often reflects cultural heritage (e.g., Phulkari of Punjab, Kasuti of Karnataka).

Techniques: Choose fabric, hoop it tightly, use embroidery threads (cotton/silk), and follow stitch techniques.

2. Outline Stitch & Running Stitch Family

These are the simplest stitches forming the foundation of embroidery.

• Running Stitch: Straight stitch used for outlines or filling patterns.

• Outline Stitch: Worked along design lines to create bold edges.

Uses: Borders, simple motifs, quilting.

3. Back Stitch Family

Backstitch creates a continuous, strong line by stitching backward. Variants include double backstitch and whipped backstitch.

Uses: Outlines, text embroidery, repairing seams.

4. Stem Stitch Family

Resembles twisted rope and is ideal for curves. Widely used in floral embroidery.

Technique: Insert needle forward and slightly to the side, overlapping each stitch.

5. Chain Stitch Family

Formed by looping stitches like a chain. Variants include single chain, detached chain (lazy daisy), and double chain.

Uses: Filling, borders, floral patterns.

6. Boucher and Knotting Stitch Family

• French knots, bullion knots, coral knots are used to create textured embroidery.

• Give a 3D effect like beads.

Uses: Flower centers, textured detailing.

7. Leaves and Flowers Stitch Family

Includes lazy daisy, fishbone, feather stitch, etc. These create naturalistic floral motifs.

8. Three-Dimensional Stitch Family

Stitches like stumpwork, raised satin, and padded embroidery give a sculptural effect.

Uses: High-end couture embroidery, decorative wall pieces.

9. Split & Woven Stitch Family

• Split Stitch: Thread is split by the needle for a textured line.

• Woven Stitches: Threads are woven across base stitches to create patterns.

10. Bengal Kantha

A traditional Bengali embroidery using running stitches to create motifs like flowers, animals, and folk stories.

11. Kasuti

A Karnataka hand embroidery using geometric patterns. Done without knots and identical on both sides.

12. Kamal Kadai

Lotus-inspired embroidery from South India, made with long and short stitches.

13. Kutch

From Gujarat, uses interlaced stitches forming geometric, lattice-like patterns.

14. Phulkari

Punjabi embroidery meaning “flower work.” Uses darning stitch with vibrant silk threads.

15. Aari Work

Hook embroidery (similar to crochet needle). Fine chain stitches often combined with beads and sequins.

16. Asmi Beads Work

Decorating fabric using beads stitched into patterns.

17. Zardozi Work

Persian-origin metallic embroidery using gold/silver threads, sequins, and beads. Rich and royal.

18. Mirror Work (Shisha Embroidery)

Small mirrors are fixed onto fabric with decorative stitches. Originated in Gujarat & Rajasthan.

19. Ribbon Work

Uses silk or satin ribbons instead of thread, creating floral motifs.

20. Applique Work

Fabric patches are cut and stitched on base fabric to form designs. Two styles: hand-appliqué & machine-appliqué.

21. Net Applique Work

Appliqué done on net fabric, giving a transparent effect.

22. Lul Work

Delicate embroidery style (regional). Often geometric with tiny motifs.

23. Shadow Work

Embroidery done on sheer fabric like organdy where stitches show faintly on the reverse side.

24. Fabric Paintings

Painting directly on fabric using fabric colors. Styles: freehand, block, or stencil painting.

25. Outline Techniques

Using thick strokes/lines (either painted or stitched) to define motifs.

26. Fillings

Patterns filled with color or stitches. Can be flat (satin stitch) or textured (herringbone).

27. Dots

Small stitched or painted dots used in rangoli-like patterns.

28. Stone Stroke

Decorating fabric with rhinestones for shine.

29. Dullen Stroke

Painted strokes with dull/matte finish.

30. Stone + Dullen Stroke

Combination of shiny stones with matte painting.

31. Checks and Lines

Geometric background patterns with embroidery or fabric paint.

32. Chainness Stroke

Stroke painting imitating chain stitch.

33. Stencil Paintings

Fabric painting using cut-out stencils for repeat designs.

34. Vegetable Paintings

Using natural vegetable dyes/colors to paint fabric (eco-friendly).

35. White Shade Painting

Fabric painting with white shades for highlights.

36. Black Shade Painting

Painting with black tones for depth and shadows.

37. Block Printing

Wooden blocks carved with motifs dipped in dye and stamped onto fabric.

38. Tie and Dye

Fabrics are tied in patterns and dyed to create designs (bandhani, shibori).

39. Sunburns

Creating faded/sun-exposed effects on fabric using bleach or dye-resist.

40. Concentric Circular Designs

Repeated circular motifs through painting, printing, or embroidery.

41. Antique Finish

Giving fabric an aged look with muted colors and crackle effects.

42. Marble Effect

Fabric dyeing/painting to imitate marble stone textures.

43. Pleats Dye

Fabric is pleated and dyed for striped effects.

44. Diamond Effect

Patterns created in diamond shapes (tie-dye or stitched).

45. Twist Dye

Fabric twisted and dyed for spiral patterns.

46. Shade Effect

Blending colors (ombre or gradient).

47. Batik Print

Wax-resist dyeing technique from Indonesia, using wax patterns before dyeing.

48. Smocking

Embroidery technique that gathers fabric into pleats using stitches, both decorative and functional.