Buying Guide Style Glossary

Sarees are made in various materials and the beauty of the saree is enhanced by adding appropriate work on it. Different regions in India have their specialty of work for which they are well known.

  • Zari:

    It is an even thread traditionally made in fine gold or silver used in embroidery.

  • Kundan:

    Kundan are Indian gem stones which are placed on the sarees to give a jewelry effect.

  • Pleats:

    A double or multiple fold in a garment held by stitching the top or side.

  • Ikat:

    It is a type of weaving where the yarn are tie-dyed before weaving to create designs on the finished fabric

  • Gathers:

    Running stitches are sewn along one edge of the fabric to be gathered. The stitching threads are then pulled or "drawn up" so that the fabric forms small folds along the threads.

  • Applique Work:

    Refers to a needlework technique in which patterns are created by the attachment of smaller pieces of fabric to a larger piece of contrasting color or texture.

  • Kardana :

    Also known as cut dana refers to using stones that have been cut at specific angles in order to facilitate the reflection of light. These stones are sewn into the fabric with thin threads to create different kinds of patterns and designs.

  • lace Saree:

    Lace is a patterned fabric produced with machine or some intricate handwork by looping, bradding or twisting of threads. It’s often woven from cotton, silk or rayon. The fabric has an open weave with visible spaces in between.

  • Banarasi:

    Banarasi is a type of silk woven with gold/silver threads

  • Mirror Work:

    Mirror work consists of mirrors in different geometrical shapes brought together to give a dazzling effect.

  • Buttas:

    Buttas are motifs that have been stitched and embroidered over an area of fabric.

  • Bead Work:

    Bead work is a small, decorative object that is usually pierced for threading or stringing.

  • Chikankari:

    Chikankari work is fine white cotton thread embroidery which is usually created in paisley or floral patterns.

  • Resham work:

    Resham work is where shiny silk threads are used to hand-embroider various designs and motifs.

  • Ombre:

    Ombreis a dying technique where color is graduated and shows through different shades and tones of the color.

  • Zardosi:

    Zardosi is a kind of workmanship created with a type of thread made of fine gold or silver wire used in traditional sarees.

  • Weave:

    Form (fabric or a fabric item) by interlacing long threads passing in one direction with others at a right angle to them.

  • Sequins:

    Sequins are disk-shaped beads used for decorative purposes. They are available in a wide variety of colors and geometrical shapes.

  • Gota Work:

    Gota is unique embroidery where gold or silver thread ribbons are embroidered through applique technique to create patterns.

  • Bandhani:

    Bandhani work/ bandhani print is a type of Tie- dye textile decorated by plucking the cloth with fingernails into many tiny binding that form a figurative design