Types of Stitches in Lambani Embroidery: A Visual Guide to Traditional Techniques
✨ Introduction: The Language of Stitches
Lambani embroidery is famous for its bold textures, mirror inlays, and geometric precision. At Lambani.in, every saree, kurta fabric, dupatta, blouse piece, and patchwork panel is handcrafted using a selection of traditional Lambani stitches, passed down through generations of artisans in Sandur, Karnataka.
Below is a visual guide to the most commonly used stitches in Lambani embroidery 👇
🪡 1. Jollya (Chain Stitch) — Outlining Motifs
Jollya is used to outline motifs and give definition to designs. It forms a continuous looped chain, adding rhythm and flow to borders and floral shapes. This stitch is often the first layer artisans create before filling other stitches inside.
📝 Commonly used in: Borders of sarees, necklines of kurtas, and outlines on dupattas.
✨ 2. Bakkya — Filling and Borders
Bakkya stitches fill spaces with bold blocks of thread, creating textured surfaces. It is commonly used for panel borders, sleeves, and heavy dupatta pallu work.
📝 Commonly used in: Filling motifs, saree borders, sleeve ends.
🧵 3. Maki (Herringbone Stitch) — Layered Designs
Description:
Jollya is used to outline motifs and give definition to designs. It forms a continuous looped chain, adding rhythm and flow to borders and floral shapes. This stitch is often the first layer artisans create before filling other stitches inside.
📝 Commonly used in: Borders of sarees, necklines of kurtas, and outlines on dupattas.
🔸 4. Nakra & Cross Stitches — Geometric Precision
These stitches bring structure and symmetry to the designs. Nakra stitches are diagonal while cross stitches create lattice-like grids — often arranged into repeated geometric motifs.
📝 Commonly used in: Borders, necklines, patchwork panels, and motifs on blouse pieces.
🪞 5. Decorative Mirror Work — Sparkle & Identity
Mirror work is one of the most recognizable features of Lambani embroidery. Tiny mirrors are hand-stitched into the fabric using specialized stitches, adding light reflection and vibrancy.
📝 Commonly used in: Saree pallus, dupatta corners, kurta yokes, blouse backs.
✨ Explore the stitches. Customize your own design. Celebrate Lambani heritage.
Each stitch in Lambani embroidery carries a story, technique, and cultural memory. When you choose a custom hand-embroidered saree, kurta fabric, dupatta, or patchwork from Lambani.in, you’re choosing a craft that has been perfected for generations.