Banni Embroidery

Banni embroidery is famous embroidery work of women of Lohara community. This community is  well known for their embroidery work in Kutch district of Gujarat. This unique for m of embroidery has emerged from this state and is amongst the most practiced form of embroidery. Minute designs and fabulous mirror work are two of its marked features. Basic colors for working this embroidery are mauve, yellow and pink. Apart from being an inherent part of tralatitious life in Kutch, garments containing this style of embroidery are given to new bride.

 

The embroidered fabrics that come from Banni in Kutch are famous for bright yellow, red and saffron colors and mirror work with beads. The embroidery is known for its intricacy and richness. The fabric embellished with architectural designs of banni embroidery is often called Heer Bharat. This embroidery is usually done using the silk floss. It is a typical embroidery manipulating the weave of the fabric. Use of flowery and tiny designs in vibrant colors in this stable form of embroidery, provides most impressive and brilliant results.

To enhance the effect, mirrors and beads are also studded along with the embroidery, using buttonhole and chain stitch. Embroidery goes around these glass pieces of various moulds and sizes. Intensely minute mirror embroidery work done with mirrors that are cut out of a vase blown out by a mouth pipe and threads of contrasting colors appears extremely gorgeous. It is the most exquisite and outstanding form of embroidery. Delicate weaves on the fabric increases the effect and easily grabs everybody's attention.

Today, this art form is spread all across the country and skilled craftsmen are introducing new and innovative designs of banni embroidery. Earlier, this embroidery was only used on some particular garments, but these days it is used on distinguished materials and items such as bridal wear, home decor products and Sherwanis. This embroidery is popular for bridal wear because the mirrors used in it give the sparkling effect and adds to the beauty of the bride.