3 in 1 Design For Kasuti Embroidery

Here's a 3 in 1 design for Kasuti embroidery. 

Skill Level: Sessions 1 and 2 should equip you for this.

I drew these 3 one inside the other to save space on my graph sheet. On completion, I liked the way the smaller motifs completely fill out the space in the center without looking overcrowded.

I used the green lines to help me draw this pattern without getting confused. Often when embroidering on fabric, I use running stitch to draw these lines This tells me exactly where I am in the design and how much further I have to go. There is much less confusion when you break it down a pattern into smaller units.

Let's call the green lines radials. You can use the radial as a pivot if you want to experiment with rotating the pattern. 

Ideas for Variations

1. Rotate the entire design 45 degrees.

2. Rotate only the motif in blue 45 degrees.

3. Position the small red motif in the center around the pattern - one at the tip of each spoke of the radial.

If you have ideas any different from these, I'd love to hear them.

Kasuti Embroidery - Peacock

For those of you who are already well versed in Kasuti embroidery, here's a beautiful peacock border.  I copied the design from a saree border.

This design uses the muragi kasuti style (zig-zag) predominantly.

Skill level: If you love challenges go ahead and try this out. But if you are one of those people who give up on a project at the first sign of trouble, this is not for you.

Tip: Work the outlines in the onward journey and work all the side-trips in the return journey. Less confusion that way.

Ideas:
1. Leave a small gap and repeat the double peacock if you plan to use this on a saree border or kameez border.
2. Here's what you can do for a cushion cover.

I plan to use it on an unbleached cotton kurta with a 1/2" blood red band. I am not a fan of the tracing for Kasuti embroidery. I love using the Calico net. I'll blog the steps and progress.

Have Fun. I'd love it if you can share the projects you use this design on.