Learn more about Karnataka's Kasuti embroidery at this workshop in Mumbai

Kasuti is a counted-thread embroidery style from north Karnataka. Pics Courtesy/Sujaya Mahesh

For 25 years now, 65-year-old Sujaya Mahesh has been promoting diverse styles of hand embroidery through Sameeksha Studio and School of Embroidery in Bengaluru. Her mission is to introduce new audiences to the rich traditions of hand embroidery (not just Indian styles), ensuring that the craft not only survives but continues to thrive and evolve. Mahesh, a former college professor (Home Science at Mount Carmel College) learned different needle embroideries from her mother, and continued practising and improving her artistic practice.

If you to wish to immerse yourself, and learn more about a new craft, or shop for hand embroidered bookmarks, saris, dupattas, blouses or kaftans, Mahesh will be in the city anchoring a four-day itinerary, starting from today, till July 27, for an exhibition, talk and a workshop themed on Karnataka's (her home state) Kasuti embroidery at Craft Circle in Versova. The exhibition includes not just Kasuti pieces but will showcase other hand embroidered pieces too. Mahesh adds that the workshop is suitable for beginners.

"Kasuti is a traditional and old form of embroidery from Karnataka that is practised in the northern parts, in areas like Hubli, Dharwar and Belagavi. It has existed since the 7th century AD during the Chalukya Dynasty. They encouraged artisans to continue the craft. It is practised by women," she informs.

Previously, this embroidery form was created on local handwoven fabrics (even today), such as Ilkal saris, mainly for daily clothes, and for gathered caps meant for kids. It was also used to make ceremonial pieces, and decorations for occasions such as naming ceremonies and godh bharai. Kasuti merges the daily and celebratory moments. In today's times, it's used across the board.

"There are two kinds of embroideries: surface and counted thread. With counted thread embroidery (like cross stitch), it needs an even weave fabric. The right side and wrong size look the same. I will teach the traditional method. It has to be counted and done, or it is not authentic. Because it is a counted-thread style, the motifs are geometric, and include everything the women who embroider them see around them," she elaborates.

Sujaya Mahesh

These include animals, flowers such as lotuses, peacocks, gopurams of temples, chariots and even everyday elements such as the tulsi plant. "You don't have to be familiar in any embroidery form; all you need is a lot of patience. In this workshop, I will discuss the stitches and motifs, help create a bookmark, and teach the basics which can then be attempted on other surfaces," Mahesh sums up.

TILL July 27 (exhibition all days); July 24, 5.30 pm (workshop); July 25, 3 pm (talk)
AT Craft Circle, Aram Nagar, Versova.
CALL 9004352273