Phulkari is a traditional embroidery practised by women across the Punjab region, which today spans India and Pakistan. The name comes from phul (flower) and kari (work), and the designs range from flowing florals to bold geometric patterns. It is worked as counted thread embroidery from the reverse of the cloth, with long darning stitches that follow the weave. The design builds
up slowly on the front, and you only see its full extent once the piece is finished.
In this workshop you will learn the core phulkari stitches and use them to work a geometric floral motif. Along the way you’ll discover how counting threads, changing the direction of the stitch and catching the light in the silk bring the pattern to life. No previous experience of phulkari is needed.
Ekta grew up in North India and will share phulkaris inherited from her mother and grandmother, giving participants a rare chance to see historic pieces from her family up close.
Date
Thursday, December 3rd, 2026
Time
10:00-12:30 pm ET
Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants the day before class
Cost
$75
Recording
All World Embroidery Series sessions will be recorded. A link to each recording will be emailed to all registrants following the live session. Each link is live for three months after the live session.
Class Materials
- Silk floss (traditionally untwisted) or cotton floss, in two or three colours
- 12 x 12″ (30 x 30cm) heavyweight cotton or linen in a solid colour, with a clearly visible weave
- 8″ embroidery hoop
- Size 5 embroidery needles
- Embroidery scissors
About the World Embroidery Series
TATTER’s World Embroidery Series is a celebration of global embroidery craft. Sewists will encounter an astonishing array of culturally specific techniques, and will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished practicing teachers who are equally purposed in preserving heritage techniques.
Bundle Discount
When four World Embroidery classes are added to your cart, a 25% off code will be automatically applied. All classes must be in a single order to qualify for the discount.
Scholarships
We have one scholarship seat available for this workshop. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out this scholarship application form.
Our Teacher
Ekta Kaul is an award-winning artist known for her narrative maps, which intricately explore themes of place, history, and belonging through the mediums of stitch and
abstract painting. Her works are featured in public collections, including the Museum of London, the Crafts Council, the Gunnersbury Museum, and Feltham Library, as well as in numerous private collections. A recipient of the Cockpit Arts Textile Prize (2021), Ekta is also the author of Kantha: Sustainable Textiles & Mindful Making, nominated for the RL Shep Award for the best book of 2025 in the field of global textile traditions. Ekta has been awarded a Research Fellowship in the Creative Arts at Merton College, Oxford She teaches internationally including at the V&A Museum and lives and works in London. More details can be found at www.ektakaul.com.