Question

Which of the following is not an example of counted thread embroidery?

• A. \( \text{Phulkari} \)
• B. \( \text{Kasuti} \)
• C. \( \text{Soof} \)
• D. \( \text{Sozani} \)

Hint:

Counted thread embroideries usually have very geometric or straight-lined patterns, while free-hand embroideries like Sozani feature more fluid, curved, and naturalistic shapes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Embroideries are classified based on whether the artisan counts the individual threads of the fabric to place stitches (Counted Thread) or follows a pre-drawn design on the fabric (Free-hand/Surface embroidery).

Step 1: Identify counted thread embroideries.

• Phulkari (Punjab): Traditionally done on khaddar by counting threads using a darning stitch from the reverse side.
• Kasuti (Karnataka): Requires meticulous thread counting to create geometric patterns; no tracing is used.
• Soof (Gujarat/Rajasthan): A very fine embroidery where the artisan works from the back of the fabric, counting every single thread to form perfect triangles.

Step 2: Identify the non-counted embroidery.
Sozani (from Kashmir) is a form of free-hand needle embroidery. The design is first traced onto the fine pashmina shawl using a carved wooden block, and the artisan then follows the traced lines with incredibly fine stitches.