Indian embroidery is a particular style of stitching which has been revered in India since earlier centuries. Some states of India flaunt immense variety of embroidery works that carry a touch of traditional ethnicity.

Indian embroidery has a different appeal to the society as these are the handmade items and are recognized for their artistic designs. Gujarat and Rajasthan boast of a mind-boggling range in embroideries. `Kantha` of Bengal, `zardosi` of Delhi, `kasuti` of Karnataka, `phulkari` of Punjab, the gold thread embroidery and `gota` work of Rajasthan, the `zari` work of Hyderabad, the appliqué work and metal-wire embroidery are some of the brilliant specimens of Indian embroidery. Indian embroidery gets a different recognition in the Orissa and some parts of Gujarat where appliqué or Pipli work is an integral part of the decorative needlework. The embroidery of Kutch has an impact on the human mind for its intricate designs. Bagh embroidery is a variation of Indian embroidery which follows geometric pattern and is done on khaddar with silk thread.

The Indian embroidery is famous for the tint of tribal craftsmanship with indigenous styles and tradition. Banjara is such a variation of embroidery which is a craft of the Lambada gypsy tribes of Andhra Pradesh. This is a mix of applique with mirrors and beadwork. Bright red, yellow, black and white coloured cloth is laid in bands and joined with a white crisscross stitch. In addition to these embroidery works, there are some well demanded embroideries like Chikankari which is based in Lucknow. It involves delicate and subtle embroidery done in white thread on varieties of cloth such as mulmul (fine cotton), voil or polyester. The different kinds of chikan stitches include `tepchi`, `pechni`, `bakhia`, `zanjira`, `phanda` and `murri`. The heaven of India, Kashmir, is praised for `phirans` or woollen kurtas and `namdahs` or woollen rugs with big floral embroidery that is popularly known as Crewel embroidery.

The Indian embroidery has a wide variety and due to the use of different materials, the embroidery work gets its uniqueness. Such a form of embroidery is the gold embroidery of Jaipur, known as `gota-work` which is an intricate form of appliqué with delicate patterns in fine gold thread. Sometimes to bring the richness of creativity and enhance the beauty of the embroidered work, small pieces of zari ribbon are applied onto the fabric. Khandela in Shekhawati is best known for gota embroidery. Like the other states, West Bengal has a distinct style of embroidery which is known as Kantha embroidery. This particular kind of patchwork embroidery of Bihar and West Bengal flaunts its grandeur by creating uniquely embroidered floral designs, animal and bird motifs on both cotton and silk. Apart from these embroideries, there are a few embroideries that are practiced in most part of India like Karchobi embroidery, Kashida embroidery, Kasuti embroidery, Kathi embroidery, Patti Ka Kaam etc.

Indian embroidery is an amalgamation of folk tradition with the past tradition of the state. The mirror work of Rajasthan is basically the art of folk people and has gained popularity for its simple yet attractive designs. One of the traditional embroideries is Phulkari of Punjab that is stitched with silk thread, though occasionally cotton threads are also used. The best work in phulkari is found in Haryana in Gurgaon, Karnal, Hissar, Rohtak and Delhi. Rabari Art, a typical embroidery work of the nomadic Rabari tribes of the Kutch region, Shamilami of Manipur are some embroideries that are used in creating various items of artistic splendour and the items are widely used in almost each corner of the country. Most importantly the Zari work or popularly known as Zardozi embroidery is well known for its usage of metal wire and intricate designs that have been getting appraisal since a long age. Varanasi, Lucknow, Surat, Ajmer, Bhopal and Hyderabad are important centers for Zardozi embroidery. The Zardozi embroidery is described as a more elaborate version of zari and involves the use of gold threads, spangles, beads, seed pearls, wire, gota and kinari in the garments.

Indian embroidery is the most elegant and enriching part of the craft heritage of India. It has been the source of enchantment in the world of creativity and craftsmanship. The Indian embroidery has been displayed with its exuberance and the dainty fabric patterns in saris, garments etc. Moreover, as the present trend allows, the Indian embroidery has been used in creating other decorative items like tableware, bedsteads, wall hangings etc to capture the international market.