Have you ever felt doubtful about the authenticity of the designs you see on a beautifully laced kurta set – were they made by hand or machine? Embroidery tends to make suit sets look much more classy and Indian, which enhances the attractiveness of ethnic wear. However, while in the market for a certain piece of clothing that has embroidery, have you ever been in a dilemma as to whether to go for hand embroidery or machine embroidery?
Each type has its own set of advantages, and the selection is based on aspects such as quality, cost, resilience, and purpose. Traditional hand embroidery gives a look of culture and creativity, while machine embroidery adds perfection and speed. In India, ethnic fashion is an integral part of culture, and embroidery is particularly significant while designing. Applying the embroidery technique may also cover the simplicity of the apparel, from casual clothing to special occasion wear.
Ethnic wear is definitely in trend these days, and this is why embroidered kurta set is so popular. In this blog, let’s examine the beauty of both techniques, their importance in India, and how you can determine which one is more suitable for you. Let’s dive in!
Hand Embroidery: A Symbol of Timeless Elegance
Hand embroidery is one of the most ancient techniques, practiced for hundreds of years. Several vivid embroidery techniques are famous in India, like Zardozi, Chikankari, Kantha, and Phulkari. Every style of embroidery has its tradition and its look, which is why hand-embroidered suit sets are exceptional.
Chikankari embroidery is one of the most favourite styles, having originated in Lucknow. It consists of fine and thin lines done on delicate pastel-coloured fabric, making it the most appropriate summer wear. In the same way, Zardozi’s work, which involves the use of gold and silver embroidery, is exclusive and royal in texture, mostly suited for bridal and party wear.
Why is Hand Embroidery Special?
- Uniqueness: It is done by hand, and therefore, no two pieces are similar in design or shape.
- Artistic Craftsmanship: Hand embroidery is a technique that allows artisans to express their imaginative talent, thereby turning products into works of art.
- Premium Feel: The intricate designs and detailing make hand-embroidered suits look luxurious and high-end.
Hand embroidery suits those who prefer quality and those who would love to be associated with crafts produced in India. It takes quite some time to work on it, but the time spent will pay off, as the piece produced is extraordinary and unique.
Machine Embroidery: The Perfect Blend of Precision and Style
Today, machine embroidery has become popular because of technological developments in textile engineering. While hand embroidery can take days or weeks, the machine can produce designs within hours, making it suitable for large-scale production.
Why Choose Machine Embroidery?
- Quick and Efficient: Compared to hand embroidery, machine embroidery is fast and yields beautiful intricate designs on the fabric.
- Perfectly Symmetrical Designs: Every piece is clean and well-patterned since it is pre-programmed by the machine.
- More Affordable: Since machine embroidery requires a lot less work as compared to hand embroidery, the former usually costs less.
Many designers and brands incorporate machine embroidery into their collections to cater to modern fashion trends while keeping ethnic wear stylish and affordable.
Which One Should You Choose?
Hand embroidery or machine embroidery depends on the individual, their pocket, and the occasion on which the product will be used. Here’s how you can decide:
- Hand embroidery is well suitable for weddings and other festivities as it provides the best efforts and a rightly soothing look.
- In casual wear or business wear, machine-embroidered suit sets can be chic without sacrificing affordability.
- When it comes to fashionable, pocket-friendly ethnic wear, machine embroidery offers abundant designs at a lower cost.
Hand embroidery may be considered an art piece with cultural meaning, while machine embroidery is a solution for the modern fashionista. Both are good, though each appeals differently, so it’s hard to decide which one is better.
FAQs
1. Is hand embroidery more durable than machine embroidery?
When using good-quality threads and correct stitching techniques, hand embroidery can easily last for years without fading. Machine embroidery is also permanent, although the permanence varies depending on the fabric and type of thread used.
2. Which embroidery technique is better for bridal wear?
Hand embroidery is widely used for bridal wear mainly because it is very stylish and of superior quality. Works such as Zardozi and Aari give bridal outfits an elegant and royal look.
3. Does machine embroidery look artificial compared to hand embroidery?
Not necessarily. Machine-made embroidery can also be extremely delicate and classy and can match hand embroidery in quality. But hand embroidery has its own beauty and ethnic look, so it’s best suited for ethnic wear.
4. Can machine embroidery replicate traditional Indian embroidery styles?
Yes, modern embroidery machines can emulate styles such as Chikankari, Phulkari and Zardozi. However, the handmade versions still hold greater cultural and artistic value.
Final Thoughts
Hand and machine embroidery are both useful in ethnic fashion. Hand embroidery is perfect if you are a fan of intricate designs and are willing to pay a premium price for them. However, if you wish to sew clothes for casual wear and get the best designs at a relatively low price, then go for machine embroidery.
Either way, an angrakha kurta set or any embroidered outfit with such delicate designs will create a smart-casual look in your collection. In India, it remains in fashion no matter whether it is a hand made or machine made embroidered piece of cloth.
So, which one will you choose – the charm of tradition or the precision of technology?
