Kasuti - The pride of Karnataka

'Kasuti' is a style of embroidery that is practiced in the southern state of Karnataka. It is a form of counted thread embroidery.

Kasuti uses just one stitch, the running stitch. It has some unique characteristics - geometrical patterns, two thread colors and use of single strand. Motifs are similar to other styles and include chariots, temples, peacocks and flowers but they are altered so that the patterns are geometrical. If you understand the underlying concept, the embroidery is very simple and you can cover large areas in a short period of time. Kasuti work is quite popular on silk sarees and kurtas.

I suggest using a a graph paper to draw designs and a netted fabric to embroider the first few designs. The tutorial posted is done on a netted fabric.

As I write this blog, I am reminded of one of my friends in college who took such a strong liking to Kasuti that she became a full time Kasuti designer/embroiderer. It is indeed a 'cool' style!

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