Fabric expert Somna Janey shares all the information about this age-old handicraft of gota embroidery, including its history and methods.
Although most people think that gota patti is unique to Rajasthan, some people assert that it is actually a type of Pakistani embroidery that started in Punjab and then gained popularity in neighboring states.
The royal family and other members of the court were traditionally the owners of this centuries-old handicraft.
These days, it’s essential for bridal and celebration outfits.
How is gota patti embroidery created?
Gota is essentially Lucknowi lace made of gold and silver.
The weft yarn used to create this metallic lace is coated in metal, and the warp yarn is composed of ribbons made of cotton and polyester fibers.
The fabric is stitched with tiny zari pieces, and the edges are sewn down to form patterns.
The zari threads are typically made of copper and gilded with gold or silver color. They can also be real silver, gold-plated, or an imitation.
Gota ribbons are woven using a weft of silk or cotton thread and a wrap of flattened gold and silver wire. After that, this is applied as trims to a range of fabrics.
In addition to traditional Indian clothing, gota patti is used on juttis, turbans, rakhis, torans, and home accents.
Types of Gota Patti & Preferred Fabrics for Creating Them
Gota patti is primarily applied to crepes, chinon, georgette, and tussar silks.
Among the various varieties of gota patti are seekhi, phool, bijiya, mothda, bakhandi, and lappa.
Phool gota draws attention to gota circles that are pleated on the ensemble, whereas Seekhi gota is distinguished by a silver and gold gota ribbon used as a lace trim.
How long does it take to make an outfit featuring gota work?
Making Gota patti is a labor-intensive process.
A wooden hammer is used to secure the gota patti after it has been traced on paper, placed on wooden frames, and its design outline sewn onto the fabric.
The most time-consuming step is tataayi, or sewing the leaves to the foundation fabric.
The complexity of the garment often determines how long it takes to complete; a seekhi work sharara can be completed in half a day, but a complex bridal ensemble may require up to a week.