Part VII — Reference
Chapter 23: Quick-Reference Charts
The Four Stitches at a Glance
| Stitch | Reversible | Best for | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gavanti | Yes | Outlines, borders, structural lines | Beginner |
| Murgi | Yes | Zig-zag borders, ladder motifs | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Negi | No | Filling large motifs, woven texture | Advanced |
| Menthi | Partial (least reversible) | Small fills, background texture | Intermediate |
Fabric Choice by Skill Stage
| Stage | Recommended fabric | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First stitches | 14-count Aida | Pre-formed blocks make counting visually simple |
| Garment practice | Waste canvas / cotton net over garment fabric | Lets you embroider directly on wearable cloth; removable afterward |
| Traditional practice | Handloom cotton or cotton-silk (khun/khana) | Authentic ground; requires trained thread-counting eye |
| Heirloom / bridal work | Fine handloom silk, classically black | Traditional Chandrakali saree ground |
Motif Category Quick Index
| Category | Representative motifs | Typical symbolic association |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural/religious | Gopura, asana, tulsi katte, deepa, shiva-linga, Nandi | Devotion, purity, wisdom |
| Ceremonial/everyday | Ratha, pallakki, cradle, flower pot | Celebration, life-cycle events |
| Animals/birds | Navilu (peacock), aane (elephant), jinke (deer) | Beauty, strength, good fortune |
| Floral/plant | Kamala (lotus), jasmine, cashew, almond | Purity, abundance |