Kantha is a traditional embroidery from Bengal, using simple running stitches to bind together layers of old cloth, often sarees or dhotis, into quilts, shawls, and clothing. This craft provides both a means of recycling textiles and expressing artistic creativity, making each piece unique. Practiced for centuries by rural women, it remains integral to the cultural heritage of eastern India.

Smocking is a decorative embroidery technique that gathers fabric using small, regular stitches to create elasticity and patterns. Traditionally used on cuffs and bodices, the stitched pleats allow both decoration and stretch in garments. The technique transforms flat fabric into beautifully textured, flexible surfaces.

Jogi handwork is a traditional craft from Rajasthan practiced by the Jogi community, known for intricate, colorful thread embroidery and mirror inlays on textiles. This folk art often decorates wall hangings, bags, and garments, reflecting rural life and spiritual themes. The handwork is distinctive for its vibrant patterns and narrative motifs, showcasing the identity of the community.

Hand embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, using a variety of stitches such as chain, satin, and cross-stitch. Indian hand embroidery includes iconic regional forms like zardozi, chikankari, phulkari, and kantha. Each style reflects its cultural history, utilizing different motifs, materials, and stitching methods. The craft is valued for its flexibility, artistic detail, and ability to personalize textiles.

Crochet is a needlework technique that creates fabric using a hooked needle and yarn or thread. Stitches are interlocked in loops to form patterns and textures, ranging from lacy designs to dense motifs. Although of European origin, crochet is practiced across India and used for making apparel, accessories, and home décor with creative local adaptations. The technique is prized for its versatility and handmade charm.

Cutwork is a traditional textile craft from the desert region of Chohtan in Rajasthan, involving cutting portions of the fabric and edging the cut sections with embroidery. The resulting lace-like effect allows patterns of flowers and geometric shapes to emerge, often seen on garments, scarves, and décor items. This labor-intensive process combines precision cutting with skilled stitching, yielding intricate decorative results.

Appliqué is a fabric decoration technique where shapes of cloth are sewn onto a larger base fabric to form motifs or entire scenes. In India, appliqué is especially known in Odisha and Rajasthan, used in creating canopies, banners, and clothing. It is valued for its storytelling power and bold visual appeal.

Tufting is a process of inserting loops of thread or yarn into a base fabric to create pile or raised patterns, often for rugs, carpets, and sometimes textiles. It produces a plush, textured surface, and motifs can be created by cutting or leaving the loops intact. Modern tufting in India is both a cottage industry and a contemporary craft trend, appreciated for comfort and bold designs.

Quilting involves sewing together layers of fabric, usually with a soft inner filling, to create thick, warm textiles such as bedcovers and jackets. Indian styles of quilting, like Kantha and Godhadi, use hand stitches in long running or patterned lines, creating both decorative and functional results. This process gives a three-dimensional effect to textiles and is often practiced using recycled cloth, blending recycling with artistry

Pleating is a folding technique that creates regular, crisp folds in fabric, held in place through heat, pressure, or stitching. This method adds visual interest and movement to garments, sari borders, and decorative fabrics. Indian designers use pleating for both structure and aesthetics in modern and traditional clothing. The method allows creativity in garment silhouettes and detailing.

Mirror work, is an embroidery technique where small pieces of mirror are attached to fabric using decorative stitching. Originating in Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is often used in garments, décor, and accessories, reflecting light brilliantly and enhancing colours. The technique symbolizes prosperity and is popular for its sparkling, festive appearance.