What is Sozni Work?

Sozni (or suzani) embroidery is an embroidery style from Jammu and Kashmir in the northwestern Indian subcontinent. The pattern is made with satin stitches, and the same process is used on both sides of the fabric, but sometimes in different colors (for example, the main color may be red on one side and blue on the other). This type of work/pin is sometimes called Dorukha. The most popular patterns include abstract geometric patterns, stylized flowers and paisley patterns. They usually work in one or two colors, or occasionally in three colors. Sometimes, the weaving method of the base fabric (for example, with composite fabrics) has different main colors on each side of the material to complement the different colors of embroidery threads. It is especially suitable for decorative shawls, especially for panels on the sides of fabrics.

Source: KALE, Smita (2011). Kashmir to Kanyakumari Indian Embroidery: State by State Embroidery of India, Bloomington: Author House, p. 19.