Apparel July 2019 Apparel July 2019 issue | Page 88

FEATURE
ONCE THE RUNNING
STITCH IS MASTERED,
THE EMBROIDERER CAN
WORK ON DIFFERENT
STITCHES FROM THIS
BASE TECHNIQUE.
embodiment of the running stitch. Kasuti
embroidery encompasses four types of stitches,
of which the most popular is the double running
stitch, in which the first line is replenished by
the second line; the second stitch is similar to
the first, except that it is produced as a zigzag
running stitch that creates the effect of steps.
Both these stitches create the same lines on
either side of the fabric. The third stitch, worked
in long and short patterns in straight lines without
returning along the same line, creates the effect of
a weave, and the fourth is the cross stitch. Kasuti
stitches are worked neatly and with constant
distance between two consecutive stitches to
create evenness. This type of embroidery is done
on a broad array of garments.
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I APPAREL I
July 2019
MYRIAD RENDITIONS
While the running stitch looks easy and may
be classified as basic, master embroiderer Asif
Shaikh says that it takes practice to create
regular, fluid stitches. “Running stitch is a basic
embroidery stitch. Without it, nothing is possible,
and once it is mastered, many stitches are
possible. I call it a powerful stitch, and its style
conveys the skill and emotions of the embroiderer.
By simply looking at running stitches on a textile,
one knows if the artisan is happy or sad. When
the stitch is made neatly and beautifully, a textile
is rich and artistic. It transforms the texture and
fall of a fabric and thus, the entire garment. If the
stitch is done masterfully—even if it is of the same
colour as the fabric—the garment takes on a look
of elegance and speaks of the passion of
the embroiderer.”
Once the running stitch is mastered, the
embroiderer can work on different stitches
from this base technique. Among these are the
whipped running stitch, laced running stitch,
interlaced running stitch, interlaced double
running stitch, laced stepped double stitch,
treble running stitch, darning stitch, line double