KNOTS AND THREADS
SKILL MANUAL
GRADE VIII
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
Committed to Equity and Excellence in Education
Address: Shiksha Kendra, 2Community Centre, Preet Vihar, New Delhi-110092
Skill
Acknowledgements
Advisory
Smt. Nidhi Chhibber (IAS), Chairperson, Central Board of Secondary
Education, Delhi
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education), Central Board of Secondary
Education, Delhi
Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Director (Academics), Central Board
of Secondary Education, Delhi
Coordinator & Curator
Shri. R. P. Singh, Joint Secretary (Skill Education), Central
Board of Secondary Education, Delhi
Smt. Niti Shanker Sharma, Deputy Secretary (Skill
Education), Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi
Shri. Sandeep Sethi, Coordinator, Princess Diya Kumari
Foundation
Content Development committee
Ms. Soumya Taneja
Head Junior School
Ms. Vandana Jolly
PGT Fine Arts
Ms. Disha Kakkar
PRT Visual Arts
Foreword
NEP 2020 envisions the holistic development of youth with emphasis on not only an upsurge in
Gross Enrolment Ratio but also on Skill Development as the determining factor to realize the
objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat, an ambitious mission of honorable Prime Minister, Shri
Narendra Modi ji. It focuses on imparting of skills as a key element of Modern Education System.
Education is a chariot which takes the nation to the journey for overall development. It is believed
that young people hold the promise of our future. To keep pace with the objective of ‘no hard
separation’, CBSE has decided to offer the students flexibility of making a vocational choice of a
short duration module, at a stage in their early academic career (either at class VI, VII or VIII). In
this way they will be able to spend relevant time pursuing this choice as per the convenience of the
school. This would give them the necessary orientation early on, so that they are able to make a
choice at a later stage to pursue skill courses at Secondary and Senior secondary level, or choose a
higher vocational degree.
Summer Fields School, Gurugram believes that it is essential to encourage the youth of our country
with specific skill sets, making them employable, productive & competitive future citizens. We aim
to create a good teaching learning environment with vocational skill- oriented courses. This will
enhance the skills of Self Awareness, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Effective Communication,
Interpersonal Relationships, Problem Solving within a student.
Through this manual, students will be able to understand the intricacies of embroidery, its stitches
and use the same to design handmade items. These skill development manuals are a collaborative
effort. I extend my hearty congratulations to Head Junior School, Ms. Soumya Taneja and her team
for conceptualizing and creating this manual and the President, Princess Diya Kumari Foundation,
Princess Diya Kumari for working relentlessly.
This book is the need of the hour and an attempt, as mentioned in National Education Policy 2020,
to emphasize on the development of the creative potential of the child. I hope the schools will find
this manual useful and further enrich the activities from their own experience. Any suggestions for
further improvement are always welcome.
Notes From CBSE
Index
Unit 1
Inheritance of embroidery from Gujrat and Punjab 1-4
(Sindhi and Phulkari Embroidery)
Unit 2
Resurgence of Sindhi and Phulkari Embroidery 5
Unit 3
Introduction to Sindhi and Phulkari Stitches 6-7
Unit 4
Traditional to contemporary 8-9
Unit 5
Inspiration to creation 10
Unit 6
Fascinating elegance of patterns 11
Unit 7
Functional aspect of embroidery 12-14
UNIT 1: Inheritance of Embroidery from Gujarat and Punjab
(Sindhi and Phulkari Embroidery)
India is famous for its rich culture and heritage all over the world. The clothing here is colorful, vibrant &
has unique textures. Embroidery has been practiced here for ages here. With changing times and the age
of technology, even the clothing industry is being transformed.
‘Phulkari’ is a Punjabi term obtained from two words- ‘Phul’ meaning ‘flower’ and ‘kari’ meaning ‘work’.
Together they make ‘Phulkari’ which means ‘Flower work’ or ‘floral work’. Phulkari embroidery began from
the 15th century in Punjab. The women of Punjab started doing the Phulkari embroidery. Phulkari
embroidery is the traditional folk art of Punjab as it is practiced even in the rural parts of Punjab. The designs
of Phulkari are not limited to flowers, as one would believe from the name. It includes various motifs and
geometrical patterns and shapes.
As the name suggests phulkari is bright and vibrant and reflects the joyful nature of the wearer. Phulkari is
Learning
appreciated and celebrated worldwide.
Objective:
To develop an
understanding
of vintage
patterns of
embroideries.
Fig 1 History of phulkari embroidery work
Image by: [Link]
The artform is first mentioned in the Punjabi Folklore of the romantic protagonists Heer and Ranjha.
According to some scholars Phulkari may have come from the Iranian art of ‘Gulkari’. Another theory is that
it may have come to India with the Jatt tribes from Central Asia as they migrated to India and settled in
Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat.
Did you know?
There is a reference to Phulkari in
Vedas, Mahabharat, Guru Sahib and
folk songs of Punjab. In its present
form, Granth phulkari embroidery
has been popular since the 15th
century.
Fig 2 Phulkari on dupatta
Image by: [Link]
1
In ancient Punjab the birth of a child signified new and auspicious beginnings. Especially when a girl
child was born the women of the family would rejoice as they believed the girl would be a creator of
the future generations and hence started embroidering Phulkari. These clothes would then be given
away to her at the time of her marriage.
The women of Punjabi families would showcase their creativity and enjoy the freedom of imagination by
bringing colorful designs to life in their daily life. The art is very creative and gives the artist complete
freedom to create designs and patterns. The embroidery can be seen on all the garments worn during the
Punjabi weddings.
Fig 3 Women doing Phulkari embroidery Fig 4 Punjabi wedding dupatta in Phulkari
Image by: [Link] Image by:
/2020-04-20/original/[Link] [Link]
Embroidery is a mode of expressing aesthetics and emotions as a form of ornamentation by using
only a needle, thread, and fabric. Phulkari is an old and auspicious art of Punjab that is close to the
heart of Punjabi women even today.
Did you know?
‘Phulkari: The Folk Art of Punjab’, is mentioned in the words of the great Guru Nanak (1469-1539 CE)
from the Holy Granth Saheb,
“Kadh Kasida Pehreh Choli, Ta Tum Janoh Nari...”
It translates as “Only then you will be considered an accomplished lady when you will embroider
yourself your own blouse”.
2
The Sindhi embroidery also known as the interlacing embroidery is practiced commonly in
the regions of Sindh, Kutch & Kathiawar in India. This art form came to India with the Sindhis
who chose to settle here after the partition of the country. Today this traditional embroidery
has become an integral part of Indian embroidery culture.
One can see the village ladies working on embroidery patterns leisurely in the evenings once they Image by:
[Link]
are free from their household responsibilities and harvesting chores. The goal is to make as many [Link]/
clothes as possible in time for festivals, formal occasions and weddings. In case of surplus, they originals/4
sell these clothes to earn a good income and support their family. 9/92/70/49
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Traditionally it was done on maroon and black color khaddar fabric with very bright colored e1241aff4b
[Link]
thread like green, red, yellow, blue, & orange.
Nowadays people are experimenting with base fabric, textures, and colours. The embroidery
threads can also be varied in colour from light to dark, bright to dull, or tie-dyed. This would help
to give this embroidery a new touch.
Did you know?
Sindhi Hand Embroidery work upon silk
probably evolved from the leather
embroidery produced by the mochis
(cobblers) of Sind.
Fig 5 Sindhi Embroidery, Image by: Fig 5.1 Sindhi Embroidery, Image by:
[Link]
[Link] [Link]
3
In the northern Sindh, the Sindhi embroidery is interpreted in a different Balochi style while in the
southern Sindh, the original Sindhi influence is seen. Different sized mirrors, beads, coins, and ribbons
are extensively used as ornaments which make the clothes even more colourful.
Fig 6 Sindhi
Embroidery
motifs
Image by:
[Link]
m/564x/ce/17/86/
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[Link]
Some common motifs used in Sindhi embroidery are peacocks, elephants, fans, parrots, canopies,
arches, flowering shrubs, flowers, leaves, human figures, and butis (polka dots). Large-sized polka dots
are known as Nadir Shahi butis.
Answer the following:
Q1. Define Style and threads used in Sindhi
embroidery. Q2. Sindhi embroidery is famous
handicraft of which State?
I. Punjab
II. Sindh
III. Haryana
IV. Bengal
Fig 6.1 Sindhi Embroidery motifs, Image by:
[Link]
[Link]
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UNIT 2: Resurgence of Sindhi and Phulkari Embroidery
Learning Objectives:
Traditionally the hand-woven and hand-spun cotton cloth called Khaddar or khadi was To develop the skill
used as the base cloth for making phulkari. In rural Hazara, this practice is still and understand the
followed after hundreds of years. The khaddar they use today is machine-made and aesthetic value of
not homespun anymore. The khaddar was traditionally embroidered with silk floss Sindhi and
called ‘resham’ or ‘pat’. The older women of the family spent months or years Phulkari embroidery
embroidering Phulkari also known as Bagh and gifted the heavily embellished piece to
their daughters on their wedding day.
Fig 7 Phulkari Bagh (Image by Fig 7.1 Image by: [Link]
[Link] content/uploads/2012/04/[Link]
ads/file/[Link])
Which of the following art
form is believed to be
auspicious, a symbol of
happiness, prosperity and
suhag of a married
woman?
A. Phulkari of Punjab
B. Bagh Kashidakari
C. Kashida
D. Banni and Heer Bharat
Fig 7.2 (Image by:
[Link]
5
UNIT 3: Introduction to Sindhi and Phulkari Stitches
The style of Sindhi embroidery which is recognized for its mirror work, fine stitching techniques, delicate
needlework and vibrant colour combinations is known as interlacing embroidery.
The designs are usually checks and chevrons sometimes in the shapes of flowers or birds. Twisted silk,
cotton yard or silken floss are the different threads used for the embroidery. The 'bakhiyo' stitch which is
used by the Rabari community resembles a line drawing. This appearance comes because the thread
progresses in a uniform single thickness, that resembles a free-hand drawing with dots and dashes.
Long and short darn stitches are used cleverly for horizontal vertical, and diagonal threadwork. The basic
work is done in the chain stitch. The borders usually use a contrasting technique like couching or
herringbone stitch with chain stitch motifs between the lines. Glitter is added to these fabrics using mica or
mirrors to beautify it further.
Learning
Objectives:
Students will
identify the
different
embroidery
stitches of
Sindhi and Phulkari.
Fig 8.2 Sindhi embroidery stitches (Image by: Fig 8.1 Sindhi embroidery stitches (Image by:
[Link] [Link]
[Link]/.image/t_share/MTc2MjUwMjEyODQxOTU2Nzc3/
[Link])
Fig 8 Sindhi embroidery stitches (Image by: [Link]
[Link]/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2vftpb5KMh-
t9Mu8XwWAHBF42tN10Xdd3wxH8-YuWncIxzTj4ywvUmEFR-
VI5yvXAoYc&usqp=CAU) Fig 8.3 Sindhi embroidery stitches (Image by:
[Link]
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PHULKARI - Ancient Textile of Punjab
The most commonly used technique for Phulkari is Darning stitch. It can also be used to
measure the quality of the fabric. The narrower the stitch, the finer is the fabric.
On the basis of the type of work, patterns and style Phulkari can be broadly categorized as
Phulkari, Bagh and Chope. Some other stitches like the herringbone stitch, running stitch,
Image by:
Holbein stitch or button hole stitch are occasionally used to break the existing pattern or [Link]
give a border. [Link]/73
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Fig 9 Image by: [Link]
phpapp01/85/[Link]?cb=1370000632 Fig 9.1 [Link]
Answer in brief:
What is different
between Phulkari
and Bagh?
Fig 10 Phulkari Pattern (Image by: Fig 10.1 Phulkari Pattern (Image by:
[Link] [Link]
[Link]) ri_480x480.png?v=1621832612)
Phulkari Facts:
Out of the original 52 kinds of phulkari stitches only a few remain today.
The phulkari embroidery does not cover the whole fabric. Its patterns are interspersed evenly
throughout. Numerous designs can be made using the darning stitch. In the bagh style (meaning
garden) the entire surface is embroidered.
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UNIT 4: Traditional to Contemporary
Traditionally, Phulkaris used real flowers, and Silk and Mulmul fabrics because of their purity and
durability. The righteousness, morality, qualities, and character of a woman were reflected in her work
of Phulkari.
Earlier, the Phulkaris were made only for the personal use of the family and worn on special occasions to
narrate their wealth, power, and values. The daily lives of the people with their respective tasks were
also depicted on these fabrics. The time-consuming and intricate embroidery has been popularly seen on
odhnis (traditional heavy dupattas) but now it is becoming popular as a décor accent such as cushion
covers, table cloths and even wall hangings.
Learning Outcome:
Students will be able to
learn about authentic
Phulkari patterns from
traditional to
contemporary.
Fig 11 Phulkari embroidered objects
[Link]
Did you know?
“Vari da Bagh”, where the
embroidery covers the entire
surface of the cloth and the base
is not visible, takes ten years to
complete.
Fig 12 Contemporary phulkari design
Image by: [Link]
[Link]/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7oleKeWEtqe0EYKGyNqZxFtnSMq-
D7XbCxQ&usqp=CAU
8
Sindhi or Kutch embroidery is named after its region of origin- the Kutch region of Gujarat.
Traditionally a deep maroon or black cloth is embroidered with bright and colorful threads like
green, yellow, red, and blue. These clothes were embellished with mirrors and others ornaments.
Answer in brief:
Which fabric is mainly
used for Sindhi or
Kutch embroidery?
Fig 13 Traditional dupatta of Sindhi embroidery
Image by: [Link]
craft-of- Kutch-embroidery/
Did you know?
The Sindhis who settled in India
after the partition of the
country brought their
embroidery tradition with them
Fig 13 Traditional dupatta of Sindhi
embroidery
Image by:
[Link]
of-kutch-embroidery/
9
Learning Objectives:
Learn to express the traditional and trendy style of stitches. Students will be able
to inherent the movement of needle and thread.
UNIT 5: Inspiration to Creation
Phulkari is a very slow and mindful activity. Traditionally, the women did not trace any pattern before
embroidering and directly used their imagination for the design. These embroidered designs were all
unique and creative. They reflected the style of the embroiderer. They were given away as dowry in some
places or passed down through generations as an heirloom.
Fig 14 Phulkari Products
Image by: [Link]
981-10-2138-1_16/MediaObjects/339892_1_En_16_Fig2_HTML.jpg
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Learning Objectives:
The students will understand the thread technique of frame to needle. Students will be able to
make the design of checks and chevrons.
UNIT 6: Fascinating Elegance of Patterns
Phulkari clothes have small embroidery and motifs
like flowers and geometrical patterns are prominent. They contain angular motifs that are scattered
throughout the cloth.
In Bagh embroidery motifs are not limited to flowers and geometrical patterns. Other everyday items are
also embroidered on the cloth. The Bagh embroidery is given to a blanket or cloth when it is so heavily
embroidered that the base cloth is not visible at all.
Fig 15 Phulkari Motif
Image by: s[Link]
Fig 15.1 Phulkari Motifs
Image by: [Link]
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UNIT 7: Functional Aspect of Embroidery
Theoretical aspects of the embroideries will be explained to the students including its origin, style, design, and
other details.
Practical aspect - Students will be asked to bring a piece of cotton cloth which can be the size of a
handkerchief or a small tablecloth. They will begin with hemming work. Small geometrical patterns will
be drawn and running stitches will be taught using different colored anchor threads.
Students will be asked to draw some motifs which will be traditionally rendered in the thread and
composed of different kinds of stitches.
Sindhi work is also associated with cross stitches. Once the children are well versed with cross stitch, they can
elaborate further using different patterns and make beautiful coasters or runners.
Phulkari work is also associated with running stitches. Once the children learn to do running stitch, they
can elaborate further using different patterns and they can make a beautiful Dupatta.
Basics of Sindhi and Phulkari:
. Methods of tracing designs to the fabric
. Formation of grid and interlacing (Sindhi) /
darning (Phulkari)
. Basic formations
. Straight-line formations
. Mirror fixing with grid and interlacing
. Other associated stitches
. Application of designs
. Application on Table mats, and dupatta.
Fig 16 Basic stitches of Sindhi embroidery
Image by:
[Link]
[Link]
Fig 16.1 Basic stitches of sindhi embroidery
Image by: [Link]
Learning Outcomes:
Students will learn the process of Sindhi and Phulkari stitch step by step.
They will learn how to use different threads in Sindhi and Phulkari embroidery stitches.
12
Fig 17 (Image by:
[Link]
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Fig 17.1 (Image by:
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Fig 17.2 (Image by:
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Fig 18 Phulkari Process Image by: Fig 18.2 Phulkari Dupatta
[Link] Image by:
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Fig 18.3 Phulkari Dupatta
Fig 18.1 Phulkari Process Image by:
Image by: [Link]
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%20Phulkari%20maker%20from%20patiala%2013_compressed.jpg dupatta-12190238703660_1200x1200.jpg?v=1569352962
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SUMMER FIELDS SCHOOL
GURUGRAM
