Kasuti is a traditional folk embroidery from Karnataka, which reflects the art, culture and nature of the state. Kasuti , the word derived from 'kai' means hand and ' suti' is a cotton thread in regional language Kannada, which explains handwork on cotton thread.

In ancient times kasuti work embroidery was done on five parts of the garments. Kunchangi( bonnet and Cape combined) , daaman( skirt), seragu( pallu of a saree), kuppasa( blouse) and kulai( bonnet). It was an ancient custom that every bride should own a black silk saree called ' chandrakali' saree with kasuti embroidery.

The designs used in kasuti is inspired by traditional patterns like sacred animal motifs like meditative Nandi, Airavata, palm squirrel etc. Mythological bird motifs like Mayura, hamsa, etc. Temple architecture, palanquins, raths and gopurams of South India. Kasuti embroidery is in a geometrical form made of horizontal, vertical and diagonal stitches and the whole process is laborious since both sides of the fabric should look alike. Artisan requires lots of skill and patience as the embroidery is executed by counting the yarns of the base fabric. The patterns are stitched without using knots to ensure that both sides of the cloth look alike. In earlier days kasuti was mainly done on ilkal sarees which is 9 yards in length.

Types of Kasuti Embroidery Stitches

Kasuti embroidery is laid with three types of stitches.

Ganti or Gavanti embroidery

Ganti means knot. It is a double running stitch straight line, either vertically or horizontally or even diagonally.This stitch is reversible and shows up the same on the front and back of the fabric.

Muragi or murgi embroidery

Muragi means twisted.It is a zig zag pattern made vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Muragi is also used to fill up patterns.This stitch is reversible and shows up the same on the front and reverse of the fabric.

Neygi or Negi embroidery

Neygi means to weave.It uses running stitch to make patterns and gives a weaved effect. This stitch is reversible, but they tend to be like mirror images of each other.Negi is rarely used by the artisans now as it involves lots of patience, skill, expertise and intricacy. To achieve perfection almost parallel to the interlacement of warp and weft is very difficult for the present-day embroiderer. To revive and preserve the traditional Negi motifs by way of mechanising it, measures have taken to digitise the patterns. Thus it helps in the mass production of the kasuti embroidered fabrics.

Menthi embroidery

Menthi means fenugreek. Small cross stitch patterns to fill in the motifs.This stitch is not reversible. It is visible only on the face side of the fabric.

Buy Kasuti Embroidery Sarees Online

Kasuti has spread over borders, it is even embellished in Kerala kasavu sarees. You can shop online Kasuti embroidery kasavu sarees from our website. This can be paired with a dhoti or matching kurta for your brother or dad and is a perfect fit for festivie occassions. An exquisite fusion of cultures.