"Handcrafted vs Machine-Made Chikankari: How to Know the Difference"

Chikankari – the delicate embroidery originating Lucknow – is more than just fashion; it's a heritage. With the growing demand for Chikankari, consumers are faced with the emergence of machine-made imitations and it can be hard to navigate how to differentiate between them. Many buyers purchase machine embroidery while thinking it is true Chikankari, only to find out that it lacks the same finesse and comfort.  


1. Examine the Stitches

Handcrafted Chikankari:
When you look at a handmade Chikankari kurti in the detail it deserves, you will see there is a natural rhythm and cadence to stitching. No two stitches are precisely the same because artisans do it laboriously and with their hands! You will also feel the embroidery is slightly three-dimensional and soft to the touch; a natural texture imparted to the fabric by the artist.

Machine-made Chikankari:
Stitches are too perfect and nucleated; does sort of look like printing too. Usually, the embroidery looks rather stiff and flat because the machines are pulling the thread. Once you turn the cloth, you will notice the back side is too neat - this is a significant clue to machine work.

👉Quick Tip: Authentic hand embroidery will usually have some discrepancies - and that is the charm.


2. Touch the fabric

Handmade: 
Artisans prefer soft, breathable fabrics cotton, muslin, georgette, viscose, mulmul, and modal.  These types of fabrics allow the embroidery to flow seamlessly and also maintains skin comfort. Thus, hand made chikankari has a light, airy, and fabrics make it comfortable to wear for a duration of time.

Machine-Done:
Most of the pieces that are machine embroidered are made from synthetic or blended fabrics, so costs are reduced. While they may initially reflect light in appearance, they do not breathe, and can be uncomfortable, especially in Indian climates. 

👉If the fabric feels natural, and feather light on your skin, there is a good chance it is authentic handmade. 


3. Time & Effort

Authentic Hand Made Chikankari:
Each piece has its own history of patience. Depending on the design, it can take a kurta or dupatta, anywhere from 15 days to several months. Certain more complex designs like jaali work requires extreme patience, skill, and often years of practice. Therefore, each piece is unique, even when hand made, can not be exactly replicated.

Machine-Made:
Because machines can replicate designs in hours, there is not exclusivity in these pieces - you could find the same kurta design in bulk at markets everywhere. Plus, doesn't it reduce the cost when production is quick? Unfortunately, it removes the emotional significance behind the craft.

👉Handmade = Art + Emotion. Machine-made = Mass production.


4. Price & Value

Authentic Handmade:
Yes, one-piece handmade Chikankari is more expensive - but you isn't just paying for the fabric and thread, you are actually, paying for an art form that has been preserved for centuries. Handmade pieces last longer, feel nicer, look more graceful, and most importantly, you'll always feel exclusive.

Machine-Made:
Machine-made embroidery is cheaper, accessible, and now readily-made available for customers. However, over time the threads loosen, the fabric will shrink and the authenticity of the embroidery will decrease. So, while you may save some cash in the beginning, in the future, you won't be leaving with the same value.

👉If you need to think of anything, think of authentic Chikankari as an investment to a timeless fashion.


5. The Heart of Chikankari

Handmade:
Chikankari is a labor of love. Each handcrafted piece features the ever-sought fabric with intent usual embroidered by an artisan who believed in the task they were performing. The centuries-old designs like phanda, jaali, keel kangan, paisley, and floral vines contain the artist's heritage. When you wear a handmade piece that is hand-stitched with care, you wear a piece of Lucknow.

Machine-Made:
Machine-made embroidery can replicate the look, but it cannot replicate the soul; it lacks the character and warmth that make handmade pieces truly special and beautiful.


Why Choose Handcrafted Chikankari from Snapfab?

1. Pure & Natural fabrics - cotton, muslin, viscose, organza & more.
2. Handcrafted & Eco-Friendly - every piece is crafted with care by artisans.
3. One of a Kind - hand-stitched pieces no two outfits are the same.
4. Wholesale & Retail Available - perfect for the individual & the business.


Conclusion

Our goal at SNAPFAB is to preserve authentic Lucknowi Chikankari while bringing it to market in modern styles and premium quality fabrics.

The next time you are searching for a chikankari kurti, or set of kurta and pant, or dupatta, think about the stitches, the fabric, the details, and then make your decision. Hand made chikankari is much more than embroidery - it is heritage, skill, and a beauty that lasts. The next time you are searching for a chikankari kurti, or set of kurta and pant, or dupatta, think about the stitches, the fabric, the details, and then make your decision. 

Snapfab Studio, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
📞 +91-9889518012