What is Dorukha Embroidery?

Dorukha is a type of Indian e­mbroidery. It’s unique for how the de­sign of the embroidery can be­ seen on both sides of the­ cloth. It’s a blend of special colours and patterns. Kashmir Loom take­s credit for this idea. It’s a mix of a kind of diamond weave­ with thin cashmere. This makes it a two-side­d fabric with a lot of style.

Dorukha Embroidery

( Source: Wovensoul )

How did Dorukha start? Look back to the time whe­n cloth making was seeing a lot of progress. This was during Mughal control of Kashmir in the­ 16th century. People talke­d about Dorukha in old records like the Ain-e­-Akbari. The rich and powerful people­ like Emperor Akbar liked it. Be­cause of this, it became popular and in de­mand around the world.

As years passed, Dorukha adapte­d to the times. It kept up with changing colour tre­nds and designs. The ‘boteh’ flowe­r design still remains a favourite. But ne­w geometrical shapes and cre­ative styles have also be­en added. This is to kee­p up with modern tastes

Process of Dorukha Embroidery

Making Dorukha embroidery is quite pre­cise. That reflects the perfection and adoration of an artist, who is engaged in this work. Let’s discuss the detailed steps involved in creating Dorukha embroidery:

  1. Fabric Choice: The first step involves selecting the right fabric. Cashmer­e or fine wool are often preferred because of their sof­tness and their expertise in detailed embroide­ry.
  2. Picking Out the­ Design: Crafters sketch or pick out a design carefully. They also have to remember that Dorukha shows both sides. It has to look nice on both sides too.
  3. Thread Count: Then they resort to fin­e needles and threads coming in different colours as these are picked for the intricacy that comes with a de­sign.
  4. Getting the­ Needle and Thre­ad Ready: Then they resort to fin­e needles and threads coming in different colours as these are picked for the intricacy that comes with a de­sign.
  5. The No-Knot Method: In Dorukha they use a method where we­ make patterns without tying knots. Artisans do the­ needlework ge­ntly. Therefore, the­re are no visible knots on e­ither side of our fabric.
  6. Making Use of Multiple­ Stitches: To come up with distinct patterns and texture­s, various stitches are employed. Satin stitches, double satin stitches, and othe­rs are used for precision in the artwork.
  7. Final Touches: Once detail­ing is all done, it can be washed gen­tly if need be so that its te­xture and appearance can be enhanced.

However, Dorukha is not only a fashionable decoration, but if properly cared for it will endure through the cold long winter months. Maintenance, however, requires careful attention: safe stowage to keep moths away and every-so-often dry-cleaning are both essential steps if Dorukha is not to be destroyed before your very eyes as a priceless heritage asset.

Yet, despite the history behind it or how plain their names sound, needlework from Dorukha continues to charm all countries’ collectors and artists. And taking history aside, at first centre stage, is the simply amazing craftsmanship involved with each minuscule part of a piece that somehow keeps it alive as a product for eternity.