Bidri Embroidery

The Bidri work actually refers to a long procedure which involves laying of gold or silver wire on a cast of copper and zinc. The resulting design created through the process inspires the patterns of the Bidri embroidery. Craftsmen deftly try to work designs that resemble actual bidri work on fabrics. To develop the same effect as silver inlay on black coloured metal, silver embroidery work is done on black base cloth. Bidri EmbroideryThe stitch patterns in Bidri embroidery are similar to the one used in zardozi embroidery.


Elements used in the bidri embroidery include crochet hooks, metal stars, round sequins, glass, needles and salmaa pieces among others. The embroidery form is done using both the hands while the craftsmen sit cross-legged around the wooden frame on which the fabric or the base cloth is fixed.

The word 'Bidri' has been derived from a place known as Bidar in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Today, a variety of shades and design patterns are available in the bidri embroidery form. Whatever shape or style you are looking for, Bidri embroidery gives you an opportunity to go with your requirements.

Over the ages, the Bidri embroidery has absorbed in it a range of modern designs. However, the embroidery patterns are usually inspired from the motifs at the historical fort at Bidar (80 km from Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh) and the beautiful frescoes at the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad (Maharashtra). Bidricraft, from which bidri embroidery has developed, had its origin in Persia more than seven centuries back. Bidri craftwork depicts the lifestyles of sufi saints and the aesthetics of the Mughals.