This kind of embroidery is locally known as Zalakdozi. It is a very old technique but also very popular. The crewel embroidery makes use of a pointed crochet or an ‘aari’ as the needle.
This form of embroidery can be done on cotton, wool, silk, velvet as well as other fabrics. This embroidery can be commonly seen on curtains, drapes and other upholstery, bedding, dress materials etc. Woolen or art silk thread is used for this particular embroidery. Mostly, the chain stitch is used for the crewel embroidery.
Popular designs for this embroidery include flowers, blossoms, leaves, creepers etc.
This kind of work is also used in “felt carpet” or “Namda” in the local parlance, which is either used to grace the floors or the walls and is varied sizes.
The crewel work has two types:
1-ply embroidery: It makes use of 1-ply woolen thread. It is cheaper but less durable.
2-ply embroidery: It makes use of 2-ply woolen thread. This is more expensive than 1-ply but is more durable. The 2-ply woolen thread is more commonly used.
Nowadays this art work is also done on bags, clutches, jackets etc and looks stunning ..