Kamal Kadhai (embroidery) is a famous artwork of Andhra Pradesh. From the name, some of you think that you embroider only Kamal (lotus) in this embroidery. But this is not true. The name does suggest a flower-shaped lotus but it is not necessarily a lotus. It is called kamal kadhai because it resembles the leaves of the lotus flower. In kamal kadhai leaves of the flower are longest in the middle and shorter from the sides.
First, a pattern is made on cloth using charcoal or pencil. The pattern is a geometrical one. Entire flowers or leaves are not copied on the cloth because then the process will become harder to understand that it is. This is a simple art form that is easy to learn but due to its dense flower pattern, it takes time.
How To Do Kamal Kadhai
Take a cloth and place it in a frame. Now draw a geometrical pattern on it most likely a square. Now make visible points in each corner of the square. You can make them as many as you want to depend upon how thick petals you want in your design. We will start with four. You also need to draw the middle part of the flower too to give you an idea of how big you want the middle part to be.
First, start with the bottom of the petal. Bring the thread from the backside of the cloth and take it to the top of the petal then bring it back to the bottom and then take it to the top again. This way you need to cover all four points in each corner. Now you will have four straight lines. Again start with the bottom of the petal and weave into the four-threads like you braid your hair. Weave through the petals first top then bottom then again top. Repeat this process with each corner and voila you just did the kamal embroidery.
For the middle part use simpler techniques of threading as there is not much space to do kamal embroidery. Take the thread up and down till the entire area is covered.
This might be the easiest embroidery. It is good for beginners who are just getting into the threading business. Kamal Embroidery is a simple yet unique art form of Andhra Pradesh. It is available on various kinds of clothing garments such as sarees, suits, and dresses. In recent times embroidery is becoming popular again.