Tarshumar

This technique, also known as Hazara embroidery, first originated from central Afghanistan. ‘Tar’ means thread, and ‘shumar’ means counting – this embroidery technique is very fine and precise. It is known to be a work of art, embroidered on materials such as silk and cotton. The designs are usually based on rectangles and are multi-colored. They are worked in silk thread on a cotton ground, using a brick stitch or short satin stitches, with dividing lines worked in black and white, or even gold.

Kandahari

This technique, also known as Khamak (sewing), is an intricate form of embroidery from the province of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Khamak is a very delicate style of hand embroidery which makes use of a very thin needle. The designs involve geometric shapes that when combined, create beautiful motifs. Each silk stitch transforms into flowers, leaves, trees, birds, mountains and more!

PuktaDozi

‘Pukhta’ means strong and ‘dozi’ means embroidery – this technique originated in Uzbekistan until Nomadic Uzbeks took the tradition to neighbouring countries such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This form of embroidery uses a type of satin stitch to produce huge embroideries which are often used to cover one wall of a guest room.

ZanjeeraDozi

‘Zanjeera’is a Dari word which means chain and ‘dozi’means embroidery. This stitch is popular amongst women from Ghazni, Afghanistan. The embroidery technique includes geometric and floral patterns which are delicately embroidered by silk and cotton thread.