What is Sozni Embroidery? A Guide to the Traditional Craft and its Techniques

Sozni embroidery on pashmina is a form of hand embroidery that has been practiced in the Kashmir valley for centuries. It is a highly skilled and intricate art form that involves using a fine needle and silk, viscose, cotton thread to create beautiful designs on the delicate and luxurious fabric of pashmina.

The word "sozni" comes from the Persian word "suzan," which means needle. Sozni embroidery is a type of needlework that is done entirely by hand, with no use of machines or mechanical devices. The designs created in sozni embroidery are often inspired by the natural world, featuring patterns of flowers, leaves, and vines.

The process of sozni embroidery on pashmina begins with the selection of the fabric. Pashmina, being one of the most luxurious and delicate fibers, requires a lot of care and attention. The embroidery process is then carried out by highly skilled artisans, who work tirelessly to create intricate patterns on the fabric.

The process of sozni embroidery on pashmina involves first creating a detailed design on paper, which is then engraved onto wooden walnut blocks. These blocks are then used to hand block print the design onto the pashmina fabric, using a special removable ink which is block printer over it.  After this, the embroiderer carefully stitches the design onto the fabric using a small, sharp needle.

One of the unique features of sozni embroidery is that the back side of the fabric shows a mirror image of the design on the front side. This is achieved by using a special stitching technique that involves creating a loop on the back of the fabric and then stitching it into place on the front side.

Sozni Embroidered Jamavar Scarf.

Sozni embroidery on pashmina is a labor-intensive process that requires a lot of time and skill. The embroidery can take anywhere from a several months to years complete, depending on the complexity of the design. The end result is a beautiful and luxurious piece of wearable art that is highly prized around the world.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, sozni embroidery on pashmina also has practical benefits. The embroidery creates a texture on the surface of the fabric that helps to trap air and retain heat, making pashmina shawls and scarves incredibly warm and cozy.

Conclusion:

Sozni embroidery on pashmina is a highly skilled and intricate art form that has been practiced in the Kashmir valley for centuries. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the artisans who create these beautiful works of wearable art. So the next time you wear a pashmina shawl or scarf with sozni embroidery, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and the skill that went into its creation.