How to Buy REAL Hand Embroidered Chikankari

Chikankari is one of the finest embroideries of India, described as poetry on fabric. In this video, I will show you how to buy real authentic Chikankari.
Chikankari (चिकन की कढ़ाई, चिकनकारी) came to India from Persia during the Mughal period, and now it's a speciality of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. I travelled to Lucknow to find out how to identify real Chikan embroidery.
00:00 How to buy authentic Chikankari
00:55 What is Chikankari?
01:44 How Chikankari is made
02:21 Loose threads on the reverse side
02:53 Quality of fabric
04:20 Variety in stitches
05:18 Local motifs
06:18 Quality of embellishments
06:52 Quality of embroidery
07:56 Beware of imitation Chikankari online
Watch Chikankari Shopping Vlog: • The Ultimate Chikankar...
A special thanks to Banarasi Das and Sons and The Chikan Label.
Follow me on Instagram: / iammanishamalik .
#ManishaMalik #chikankari #chikankariembroidery #chikanembroidery #lucknowshopping #hazratganj #handembroidery #indianhandicrafts #india #shopping #crafts #lucknow #uttarpradesh

[@poulomi__hari]

The fact that Jali work is so difficult has opened my eyes. Now I will look for authentic work. Thank god we have a handloom fair everyone two months in my town where traders bring authentic handcrafted items and clothes from all around the country.

[@KarlRock]

I had no idea about Chikankari... thanks babe. I REALLY need to visit Lucknow!!!

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thanks babe. I'll take you there next time. Lucknow has much more than just Chikankari, I had the best Kebabs and Biryani there too!

[@tgenics]

My two most fav ppl from India. Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰🇳🇪

[@spectronog]

@@tgenics ohh nice

[@TheAnchalnigam]

Please please do visit Lucknow.

[@Sarah-Gee]

Wow! You taught me something here. I had never heard of Chikankari before. I am a great appreciator of artisan creations so I am now on a mission to find a Chikankari outfit in the U.K. 🇬🇧. Any idea of stockists here?

[@akankshanimesh1167]

I'm from Lucknow, and i agree even our moms look for cheap Chikankari bcz it gets confusing for them to spot any difference. This video was informative.

[@deltapizza5154]

My mother was a government school teacher posted in Gonsainganj area ,there they have this cluster of villages where chikankari is still traditional occupation catering majorly to Chhangamal and nearby ganj market ,however profit margins are very skewed in favour of retail (handmade labour for a metre of cloth is usually around 250₹)…it’s even hurtful that discrepancies in quality and cost are a blow to the repute as well as economy of this industry!

[@lisawithans]

I appreciate that you are showing us these beautiful artisans and the real vs the fake! I love the hard work that goes into the clothes! Thank you Manisha ❤

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you, I love these crafts so much and don’t want them to die.

[@SAURABHKUMAR-og3rp]

Every state in India has a long list of traditional art form, Handicrafts and Textiles. Yet most Indians including myself are not aware about them. Thanks for this wonderful content. Please also visit Bhagalpur in Bihar which has Bhagalpuri silk industry but sadly It too is in bad condition. It will be much helpful to the weavers and the local community. 🙏

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Sure will😊

[@harsimran1]

Labels need to write "imitation chikankari" because the people understand chikankari to be handwork for which a premium is paid as they know craftsmen and women are involved in the process of creating the design on the clothing piece. Even if you don't know what chikankari is, you would still expect it to be a premium product linked to craftsmen and women. I'm glad Manisha made this video and others on this topic. She's great at giving you the whole picture so beautifully.

[@pa2707]

Please do a series on various handwork, embroideries, fabrics from all states of India. Love this video.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Will try😊

[@shivalimangal]

Hard-core fan of chikankari hand work...i myself is blessed with the art...so thanks to you for posting this thoughtful video...God Bless!!

[@yvaineyvaine5319]

I have been developing love for natural fabrics and Indian handicrafts when it comes to my attire. I love this series. I want to keep authentic pieces in my collection. It maybe low in number but higher in quality. Very grateful for this knowledge..

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Wonderful!

[@rupanjanamitra9969]

Finally- the chikankari buying guide is up......

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Yay

[@ruechawla6893]

More power to you woman, for sharing that with the world. 💪

[@KMMK2371]

This is fascinating! Thank you!

[@TheAnchalnigam]

I am thankful for this video. Being from Lucknow, it pains me a lot when I see "chikankari embroidery" sold by so many mass producing companies and stores.

[@varnikaverma4429]

Totally agree with you Manisha! I make sure to buy Chikankari clothes from Lucknow only and look for good quality hand made stuff, even if it’s a little pricey. I love chikan work and also learnt to do this embroidery while studying fashion. Look forward to your Lucknow vlog!! Cheers! ❤😌

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

That’s great, Chikankari is one of my favourites too. Looks so simple and elegant.

[@bhawanatripathi5319]

Wonderful work dear. I'm from Lucknow and have experienced many times where people selling any type of embroidery saying it's chikankari. But hum toh class laga dete Hain aise logo ki😂😂

[@apurvapandey3709]

As such a huge fan of chikankari, my husband always teased me and used to say, "You claim to love the art so much and yet don't even know how to differentiate between the real work and the fake one". Imagine my excitement when I saw this video in my youtube suggestions. Thank you so much for putting your time and efforts into this video Manisha. I'm going to go ahead and buy a lot more authentic chikankari clothes and now I have an answer for my husband too. Lots of love and please keep up the good work! ❤

[@michellerogers3312]

Thanks for sharing, it makes more sense the way you have explained. A shame that ppl have made fakes, but scammers are everywhere, I'll look out for your blog on finding the real deal, and stay away from fakes. I prefer quality for sure. It's the same when I weave bags made from flax it takes time and not all are the same but you can tell it's handmade.

[@MegaMar20]

one of the more practical and useful video on the internet.

[@namyareddy5550]

Thank you! it was very informative

[@mangeshbhise98]

You guys are working very hard to promote India.....love

[@RubinaSkincare]

I am soooooo glad you made this video. I have been collecting sarees made from pure fibres and absolutely love embroidery....I have been seeing the stuff in most high end stores and know it's all fake....once your hand touches a pure mul, georgette, chiffon, cotton and the embroidered threads you can never buy a mixed, fake yarn or embroidery. I have been embroidering as a passion too...its a relaxing art form that i dont think any young person spends time learning ....just loved your video. ❤️

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you Rubina, I know what you mean. I have tried the fake ones as well. But I’d rather wait till I find an original piece.

[@SoumiaNishanth]

Very informative. I am a south indian who fell in love with chikankari work years back❤️mulmul and modal is my favorite ❤️❤️❤️wish to visit Lucknow once

[@apoorva4075]

I was not fond of chikankari before, but now I ll buy sure. Thanks for information.

[@nestabundantly]

That's such a valuable information ❤ much appreciated

[@udeshisenasinghe7989]

Thank you for this great info. And highly appreciate your initiative n the effort. Keep up the good work!

[@saumyajofficial7813]

What an informative content. Thank you dear 💕

[@nirupamasharma9710]

I appreciate your very hard work. Nobody takes interest in quality only cheap work with low quality fabric. There are many types of handwork.

[@mayurisinha1989]

Such a detailed information...!!

[@shaistatabassum9284]

Madam...I am from Lucknow and you gave me goosebumps!! Congratulations for your great work.can understand how much effort you had made

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@gurdeepkaur3195]

Sure..quality...is appreciated... Not qunatity.. There is really vast difference.. Understood very well Thanx dear...

[@catherinesudhir6273]

This is really helpful. Please make more videos like this.

[@shamimsobnom5819]

Thank you so much for this informative video. It will definitely create a conscious consumer base. In Dhaka (Bangladesh), I have experienced several times that shop owners tried to sell Hakoba (didn't know the term before) in the name of 'Indian Chikankari'. And a lot of women buy these pieces without realizing what they are buying actually.

[@alwaysjiji7198]

thank you, I've always loved Indian artisianal textiles but never knew what they were, different styles and techniques. I definitely will be more attentive to the styles and even make sure I buy better garments. Thank you so much.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you! Glad you liked it :)

[@anoopmaheshwari2823]

Very very useful video. Thanks for taking the time to create it

[@asmitagupta3413]

Tremendous job to identify real one to rejuvenate our old-age artform.articians should get motivation and security for their livelihood ,only then this kind art can be protected from being a part of history

[@neelumahmed1757]

What a good informative video , All of my favourite stuff mentioned ❤

[@19tanuja63]

Thanks for this eye opening video.

[@shanazghaffoor3368]

Very informative. Thank you. I adore any clothing with chikankari work.

[@wisdom5]

Osm info, ur emotions towards artisans is commendable... Good to hear the process

[@Codetutor-DemystifyCoding]

This is highly educational!!

[@JoJo-lr2oy]

In my past life i must have been into chikankari...i don't see any other reason why this recommendation is soo intriguing.... 🙏

[@2212booboo]

Thank you so much for this knowledge ❤️❤️

[@Ladybassguitarplayer]

This is fascinating, Manisha! I had no idea. The craftsmanship is stunning! Thank you for such a great video 💖

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Hey! Thank you so much, I’m glad you liked the video❤️

[@nishikumari1902]

Really salute. It's so important to know the difference.

[@sreedevi.s18]

It’s really appreciated for doing this valuable research and giving us such an important info. That’s true quality is imp. Than the quantity.

[@ushapradeesh2339]

Great information, thank you.

[@needlekari]

Thank u so much @ManishaMalikIndia for showing the hard work done by the artisians ..I also sell chikankari goods most ppl want it cheap and don’t understand the difference between Original chikankari and fake one .. Really appreciate ur effort god bless u .. ☺️

[@mahfuzakhatun]

Thank u for sharing all these details... 🥰

[@vidhisumariya]

Thanks for putting so much efforts on creating this video and educating people on fake chickankari and supporting the artisan who put so much effort in creating this master piece. I always learn something new from your videos.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you Vidhi❤️

[@AB.926]

Girl thanks for this. We sometimes have to go out of India to appreciate what we have back home. I just got back and the wealth of handlooms and fabrics are unbelievable. I have boycotted all malls and fast fashion companies ❤

[@supriyajd]

Such wonderful insights to know so people stop buying fake and cheap stuff. Also the authentic artisan work is more sustainable which is the need of the hour. Glad you sharing it through this video 🤩❤

[@MsWatchdog]

Whoa I have learned so much just from watching this so thank you. I wanted to go into Fashion design and this channel has helped me

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

I'm so glad!

[@AbhishekSingh-jk8si]

I am from Lucknow and you are 100% right sister.

[@GrumpyKitten375]

Thank you Manisha for this. As an embroiderer, this is extremely valuable information that needs to get out there. That embroidery is stunning. The scammers are getting more and more adept at faking quality goods. I would much rather buy quality item direct from the artisan, then through an Internet website. Having a blog would be wonderful so we know where we can go to the direct source and support the artisans directly. Just like when Karl documented, the fake cashmere and pashmina shawls. People need to be aware of this, and not support fake or scamming. In Jordan queen, Rania has all over the country textile collectives run by women. They can go there. They make these wonderful Jordanian embroideries that are sold to the tourist market directly and they’re controlled and regulated and you know what you’re buying is supporting these women in these co-ops. I wonder if India has such groups?

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

We do, I’ll be featuring one in the next video. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with us😊

[@kiranmaiganadi4296]

@@ManishaMalikIndia I’ll be eagerly waiting for that blog

[@23suruchi]

@@ManishaMalikIndia waiting for your blog!

[@carolinamoreno7372]

Manisha, this was a great video about such a beautiful Indian craft. I'm gonna look at some of the more upscale Indian clothngs shops here in Chicago (and we have several) to see if they carry the real Chikankari 😉I'll let you know! Looking forward to your video on Lucknow!

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you :)

[@ritrajnaraindixit8996]

Thank you for this knowledge.....

[@harikalaparthihari403]

Thank u so much for enlightening us

[@Unit1947]

Thank you so much for this information. I am a dear fan of authentic pieces *buy few but buy authentic* and I appreciate your guidance on chickankari. Huge appreciation to all the artisans of our country.

[@Miraj99]

Thank you for sharing information on this topic.

[@saimaiftikhar4473]

I know many types of embroideries that’s why I bought my clothes from a shop which sells limited edition . They trained many women and empowered them . Their pieces are expensive but worth it . Lots of people don’t know about authentic hand made embroidery so they get cheated . Thanks for your input

[@Reetmeet-k4t]

Can u tell me about shop name

[@sarangasonvane6303]

It's so soothing to see an authentic channel.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

🙏

[@gurdevkaur4505]

Tears of respect for their art, and thousand thanks for sharing this information ❤❤❤ I love their art and wish to own one , the original one ❤❤❤❤

[@BinoysTravelscope]

Thank you so much for the detailed information . Quality is most imp

[@pleasuretrips1]

Excellent video! Thank you for creating awareness and supporting the artisans. I hope the visa issue is sorted with your husband.

[@sujatagoudar9548]

I love very much this perticlar stitch,tq

[@LisaAraujo1988]

This is so informative

[@nusratpenkar6470]

Very informative thankyou

[@aasthagautam921]

Excellent one Manisha!

[@sanaaziz959]

Excellent stuff Manisha! Thank you so much for this video

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Glad you liked it

[@gurjeetkaur1327]

Knowledgeable......Thnx.....me a gr888 fan of chikenkari...!!!👍

[@leafboy.nikhil]

the video i needed!

[@summisherchan5783]

Thankyou Manisha, I love your videos. So, we pay for more for real stuff.

[@amazinggitanjalisingh]

O my God, you are truly sweetheart ❤❤ thanks for this information, you really did lots of research for this❤

[@shilpagadre2226]

What an eye opener!

[@zilldave4070]

Thank you for coming up with this video and information! Finally someone said it👏 It will be of much help if you could please link websites, Instagram stores that sell original good quality chikankaru kurti.

[@gorgeousdays7]

I appreciate the patience of the karigars. Hats off.

[@sapnamelanta2381]

Yes agree....one genuine piece is better... can be treasured

[@pujagirdhar3484]

Hi Manisha, Thanks for this wonderful information. Can you please share the details of the black jacket you are wearing right now in this video. Is it available online?

[@kakulychandra8055]

very good well said.

[@bharathisn6820]

You done very good job I love Lucknow workyou research about other hand embroidery works also you done very good job hand embroidery fascinated people

[@khushboomanglia1897]

Randomly came through this video. Great work done. Keep it up. Would love to see more such videos with different sort of fabrics.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you! Will do!

[@estherchandy6292]

Super super video. Thank you. Will always upcycle old chikankari garments. We must honor our craftsman

[@aucknew]

Very informative!!! Thanks a lot 🙏

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Glad it was helpful!❤️

[@DrNishayadav]

Loved the work mam. Please continue the series about educating indian handlooms.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you!

[@iramafroz8497]

I absolutely love her content

[@pushpanarayan6781]

Thanks a lot for information 🎉🎉

[@JyotiSharma-uu4ij]

I visited Lucknow in 2018 and saw beautiful handcrafted chikankari when i went to SEVA organization there. I can't describe the feeling of wearing handcrafted chikankari... It looks and feels so beautiful and royal.. worth investing in such dress.

[@anitakumarilecturerinengli1128]

It was a great information

[@dasguptapratip]

Very useful vlog, thank you

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mrsasad1114]

Completely agree.Thank you.And I have to say the shirt you're wearing is absolutely gorgeous

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you!

[@anantayurveda930]

You are absolutely correct.

[@rituskingdom5880]

Real eye opener. Thanks for this . I love chinkakari work and everything that is Lucknow ❤️. Can you please also do a similar video on authentic benarasi work??

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you. I have made one on the banarasi weave.

[@sidrasultanbaig4]

Thank you very much for doing so much hard work and forwarding this message to everyone. This video helps many in understanding how to select a pure, authentic, quality chikankari fabric. 👍Great work done.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

So glad!

[@mammoth9953]

I'm so glad I found you and had subscribed to your channel.❤️

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Welcome!!

[@Nina-bp1lm]

Hi Manisha, Quality over Quantity any day. This story popped up in my feed today. I loooove chikankari in the summer on mul. Very educational. Love your chikanari jacket and the ivory outfit you purchased.

[@ManishaMalikIndia]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@melijamir8588]

Very helpful! Kindly share link wherefrom u bought ur beautiful jacket?

[@marsumeesyam2734]

I agree completely. Thanks.

[@anshikasingh-vs9sy]

What an amazing video !!!!

[@deejosh4667]

You are right,,, I went to Lucknow and brought the kurti from there,, very cost effective,, not as being sold on Amazon or Flipkart

[@monatrivedi7828]

There was nothing fake maybe just 10 years back. We at Lucknow used to get only genuine chikankari. Just over consumerism and social media are killing it.