Count & Cross Stitches
Hand embroidered in Jat work, this sling pouch is handcrafted by women artisans in Kutch. It has dense embroidery work on the front and back.
Garasia Jat work is unique to Garasia Jats - Islamic pastoralists who originated outside of Kutch. Garasia women stitch an array of geometric patterns in counted work based on cross stitch. Interestingly, this cross stitch is not done using canvas, but by the weave and threads of the fabric being embroidered. The embroidery is embellished with minute mirrors. This style is unique in Kutch and Sindh.
Traditionally, the women hand embroidered much of their own requirements in clothes like flowing gowns, home decorations and also wedding trousseau, however today we risk losing many of these arts and embroideries.
Kala Raksha was founded in the 90s with the aim of preserving traditional crafts and embroideries by teaching these to the younger generations of artisans. The organization also aimed at making the artists, mostly women, self reliant through these arts by giving them income generation opportunities. Artisans are exposed to outside markets & trained in designing contemporary styles with their traditional techniques.