Basic borders:

The following image shows the basic simple work which is done. The front side and back side work would be same except for the knots which is visible at the back while we add thread if required or we finish the line to put a knot at the end.

                                                   

                                                           front side image.


 
                             .       
                                                        back side image.

 

 

               

 

                           BASIC STITCHES:

 

Running stitch. 

 

 

                                                        

                                                            zigzag stitch.

 

                                                              star stitch.

Back stitch.

                                         

            

                                                              stem stitch.

                                                              Seed stitch.

                                 

                                                              Cross stitch.

The above shown pictures show the basic stitches of the kasuthi/blackwork embroidery. We can learn these simple stitches  to start working out the beautiful kasuthi/blackwork designs.

 

 

 

 

 Preservation and care:

# Wash hands with soap before using embroidery stuff.

# Always fit the hoops properly before starting the needle work.

# working thread should not be longer than 18 inches; a long thread    may coil often and it would hinder our work.

# Never use knot while starting or ending a length of the thread. Bring the needle straight up and start embroidery holding thread on the wrong side of the fabric and hide it under working stitches .

# Finished results should be clean on both the sides respectively.

# Working thread should not be pulled too much ; use scissors to cut the thread.

# keep the supplies and stuff clean.

# keep all tools handy in a box.

# The remaining thread should be wrapped in a piece of cardboard for further use.

# Practice makes more efficient and produces a charecteristic effects in our needle work.

About colors of thread:

 # Colors have got unique place in kasuthi or any embroidery.

 # Proper combination of colors makes beautiful work.

 # Primary colors are red blue and yellow.

 # Secondary colors are red n yellow becomes orange, yellow n blue makes green and finally blue n red makes violet.

 #  Tertiary colors are as follows:

    Red n orange makes reddish orange

   Orange and yellow makes yellowish orange.

   Red n blue makes bluish green

   yellow n green makes yellowish green.

   Blue n violet makes bluish violet.

   Red n violet makes reddish violet.

# Complementary colors.

    For yellow complimentary color would be orange.

    for red complimentary color would be violet.

# Contrast colors

  Red & green.

  yellow & violet.

  white & black.

 # Cold colors are soothing to our eyes like green, blue white etc.

 # Warm colors are used to show things brightly like yellow orange red and black as well as colors made by mixing them together.

 #  Balance should be maintained to make a beautiful combination that attracts our eyes.

 

 

 

 

  Tools and materials used for embroidery:

 # Cloth.

# Long eyed needle.

 figure showing tools

# Round eyed needle.

# Tapestry needle.

# Poker.

# Wooden frame .

# Pencil

# Ruler

# Thimble

# Embroidery yarn bundle.

# Embroidery hoops.

# Board kin.

# Scissors.

Introduction:
Kasuthi is a traditional form of counted thread embroidery done in the state of Karnataka India. Its very intricate involving as many as 5000 stitches made by hand. Traditionally this kind of work is done on dresses like silk sarees, ravike, kurta etc.

History:
It is believed to be stated in chalukya period. The name is derived from the words Kai means hand and suit means cotton. This was mostly done by women folks. This embroidery features folk design influenced by Rangoli patterns. In olden days kasuthi were expected to be a part of bridal wear of which one saree is made of black silk with kasuthi embroidery which is called chandrakali saree.
This art is one of the heritage of Karnataka.


About kasuthi embroidery in brief :
Kasuthi work involves lot of patience as they have very intricate patterns like gopura, chariot, palanquin, lamps, Rangoli, flora, fauna and geometrical shapes. This work involves counting of each thread on the cloth.The patterns are stitched without using knots to ensure that both sides of the cloth look alike. The pattern is marked first on the cloth with pencil or charcoal and then proper needles are threads are selected. It is very colourful when it is done involving lot of bright and contrast colours.
This art involves lot of hard work and concentration.

Types:
It is basically classified into four types:
1.Ganti
2.Margi
3. Neyge
4.Menthe.

Ganti is double running stitch used for making vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines.
Murgi is zig zag stitch.
Neyge is running stitch.
Menthe is a cross stitch.

Blackwork in brief:
The stitches are used for counted thread blackwork are double running or holbein stitch back stitch and sometimes stem stitch. It originated in Europe and is called the sister cousin of kasuthi.
Historically there are three styles.
Geometrical patterns and floral designs which are mostly done by hobby stitchers.
Another style involves making large shapes of fruits or flower patterns with stem stitch and are filled with geometric counted designs.
The other style involves the outlined pattern are shaded with random stitches called seed stitches
It is mostly done in black colour and is similar to the Indian kasuthi embroidery.