Some crafts fade with time, Chikankari hasn’t. Even today, it holds its place in modern wardrobes, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s timeless. Every chikankari kurta woman wears is more than a garment — it’s a result of history, patience, and handwork.
At Saibo, chikankari isn’t just part of our design language — it’s part of our value system. We work closely with artisans who carry this tradition forward, thread by thread.
But what exactly is chikankari? Where did it come from? And what makes it so special even now?
Let’s take you through its story.
Where It Began
Chikankari dates back to the Mughal period. The most popular origin story credits Empress Noor Jahan — known for her taste in art and textiles — with introducing the craft to India. Over time, it found its home in Lucknow, where it grew into a local tradition.
Unlike machine embroidery or newer techniques, chikankari was always about precision and softness. That’s why it caught on in royal wardrobes, and later, in the everyday lives of women across India.
Today, while the styles have evolved, the core of chikankari remains the same: soft fabrics, subtle threads, and hand-done detailing.
You can read more about the history of chikanakari at All about the history of chikankari.
What Makes Chikankari Unique
The Process
Every chikankari piece begins with a design — usually hand-blocked onto the fabric with washable ink. After that, artisans spend hours (sometimes days) doing the embroidery by hand.
This is not mass production. Each piece takes time. Each stitch is done with care.
The Stitches
Chikankari is known for its variety of stitches — over 40 in total. Some of the most used ones include:
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Bakhiya (shadow work)
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Phanda (small knots)
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Murri (grain-like stitches)
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Jali (a net-like effect)
These techniques are layered to create depth, texture, and softness. From afar, it looks simple. Up close, it’s rich with detail.
The Fabric Connection
Chikankari embroidery works best on breathable, natural fabrics. That’s why cotton continues to be a top choice. A chikankari kurta cotton is light, easy to wear, and fits well into everyday dressing.
Other fabrics often used include:
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Muslin – soft and fine, used traditionally
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Modal – smooth and eco-friendly
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Georgette – adds drape and a dressy feel
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Rayon – lightweight and good for movement
At Saibo, we choose fabrics that not only look good, but also feel effortless on the body. We avoid anything that overpowers the embroidery. Chikankari is delicate — the fabric should support that.
Why Chikankari Works, Season After Season
What sets chikankari apart is how versatile it is. It doesn’t belong to just one occasion or one age group. It fits into workwear, casual weekends, festive dressing, and everything in between.
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A chikankari kurta woman wears to work feels clean and polished
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The same piece can be styled with earrings and a dupatta for a festive event
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It also works beautifully with jeans or straight pants for something more relaxed
It’s one of those rare crafts that doesn’t try too hard — and still stands out.
Behind the Craft, The People Who Make It
Chikankari is still handmade in many parts of Lucknow and its surrounding villages. The people behind it — mostly women — work from their homes, balancing craft with daily life.
At Saibo, we work directly with these artisan groups. It helps us maintain quality, but more importantly, it helps us make sure the people who create these pieces are treated fairly. Our goal isn’t just to keep the craft alive — it’s to keep it sustainable.
Every chikankari kurta woman wears from Saibo is stitched by someone who has spent years perfecting her skill. That kind of work deserves more than a spotlight. It deserves support.
Caring for Your Chikankari Clothing
Chikankari embroidery is delicate by nature. But with a little care, it lasts beautifully.
Here are a few basic tips:
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Hand wash in cold water using mild detergent
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Don’t scrub or wring the fabric
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Dry flat in the shade
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Iron on reverse, on low heat
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Store folded neatly, ideally inside out
Our chikankari kurta cotton range is designed to be easy to care for — no dry cleaning needed, no special treatments.
The Saibo Approach to Chikankari
We don’t treat chikankari like a trend. We treat it like what it is — a living craft. We let the embroidery breathe, we choose fabrics that work with it, and we keep the overall design simple and clean.
You won’t find heavy sequins or loud prints overpowering the threadwork. That’s not us. We believe the detailing should do the talking — quietly, but clearly.
Chikankari in Today’s Fashion Landscape
In a world of fast fashion and mass production, chikankari offers something rare — intention. It’s slow by nature, personal by design, and deeply rooted in culture. That’s why today’s designers, stylists, and conscious consumers are turning back to it. Whether it’s a minimalist kurta for work, a breezy dress for travel, or a festive co-ord set, chikankari adds a layer of meaning that synthetic prints can’t match. It’s more than embroidery — it’s identity stitched into every thread. And as style trends shift with each season, chikankari stays relevant without needing to reinvent itself. That’s the beauty of tradition done right
There’s something timeless about chikankari. Maybe it’s the softness. Maybe it’s the story. Or maybe it’s the way it balances simplicity with beauty.
At Saibo, we’re proud to keep this tradition alive — not just through design, but through relationships with the people who make it. Because every chikankari kurta woman wears from us carries two things: handwork and heart.
Check out some of our latest summer collections.