Embroidery Patterns in Pakistan:

Pakistan appeared on the map of the world in 1947, Areas which are joined together to for Pakistan have different tradition, they speak different languages, wear different types of clothing but the only thing that binds them all is their religion “ISLAM”. This country has the blessing ALLAH that it shared borders with four countries and the names of these countries are China, Iran, India and Afghanistan. Pakistan has possessed a developed system of textile production for centuries and become famous in the world because of quality cotton produced in Pakistan. As the country has variety of tradition among its people so because of this people belong to different areas are using different type embroidery work to decorate their dresses. Some famous names and pattern of embroidery in Pakistan are Kashmiri embroidery, Multani embroidery, Sindhi embroidery and Tribal areas Sheesha embroidery work.

Kashmiri Embroidery Patterns:

Embroidery work of Kashmir is named “Kashida” and we can see the beauty of its natural surroundings in it. The novel ness of Kashmiri embroidery is that the whole pattern is created using one or two embroidery stitch styles. The base cloth which is used in Kashmiri embroidery is usually cotton or wool. And the colors which are used in Kashmiri embroidery are of lighter shades. Special care is taken to ensure that the color shades blend into the background. One of the most famous patterns which are followed in Kashmiri embroidery is of single stitch; famous names of styles of Kashmiri embroidery are Sozni embroidery, papier-mache embroidery, and Ari or hook embroidery. The second pattern which is followed in Kashmiri embroidery is of Chain stitch.. A hook is used instead of a needle because it covers more area than a needle and wool, cotton or silk thread is used. Embroidery is done on a piece of plain white cloth and small stitches are used to create figures and motifs in bright colors. The background is also made up of a series of embroidered coin shaped circles, which add beauty in the entire structure of the work. Chain stitch is used to create chain stitch rugs.

Shawls from Kashmir are popular because of the embroidery done on them. The craftsmen of Kashmir, to beautify shawls use different stitches. Sozni or fine needlework is generally done on the side of the shawls. The value of the shawl is determined by the amount and quality of the embroidery. The traditional Kashmiri dress; Phiran is also endowed with rich embroidery. The finest embroidery from Kashmir can be found on Pashmina shawls. Sometimes the entire surface of these shawls is covered with fine embroidery.

Multani Embroidery Patterns:

It is said about multan that when Adam was turned out of the garden of Eden, Multan is the place where Satan landed. But millions of Pakistanis believes that it is a city of saints and mysticism. It is claimed that Rig Veda was written in Multan its architects formulate the perfect arch in buildings and wrote the first book on architecture. Multan remained culturally more under the rule of Arabs therefore we findarbic tradition in its Handicrafts, architecture and embroidery works. Multani khussa is also very famous because of the special thread and beads work done on it. khussa shoes are made with the finest quality soft and pure cow leather. Khussa shoes are traditional footwear and are hand made with colorful and sophisticated embroidery on them. Multan is also famous for its thread and 'Aar' work costumes for ladies embroidered cloths cholas or kurtas "for men".

Tribal areas embroidery patterns:

Tribal area of Pakistan is renowned for embroidery because of its spectacular designs patterned on the magical colors of vegetable-dyed fabric. The unique use of needle and thread tells many a story of a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The use of patchwork is elaborately decorated with sparkling chain-stitched metallic thread, spectacular colorful mirror-encrusted or sheesha embroidery, shining sequins, beads and even small shells. This ancient pattern of embroidery is survived up till now because of the custom of giving embroidered articles as dowries to brides. The techniques of producing a variety of rich embroidery are handed over from a mother to a daughter, from generation to generation.

Sindhi Embroidery Patterns

Sindhi embroidery pattern was oriented form Thar-Parkar and its neighboring districts. Designs used in Sindhi embroidery are mostly abstract and formalized representations of flowers and foliage, worked in primary colors using mainly satin stitch. The most creative practitioners of this style are the women of the Meghwal (or Meghwar), leather workers by profession and caste, who are centered on the Thar-Parkar district of Sindh. Their most delightful work embellishes marriage cholis, purses and `bukhanis'. Their work is of two types either profusely embroidered floral and disguised bird designs, mostly on a red ground incremented with mirrors and beaded and metal thread work on a black background.