Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries in India, this interlaced embroidery motif is believed to have originated with the cattle breeders (Kathis) and shoe makers (Mochis) of Western India. Practiced in the Sindh regions of Pakistan and the Kutch district of Gujarat, India these interlaced crosses go by many names.
Often referred to as Sindhi Tarpoa, Sindhi Kadhai, or simply Kutch stitch, its spiky corners resemble the thorns of the Gando Baval tree leading to its nickname, Bavariya Bharat.
Traditionally practiced on cotton and silk in vibrant colors, these crosses can be used to create borders, geometric designs and more intricately depicting flora and fauna of the region.
Inspired by an antique textile found while traveling in India, this class will lead students though the process of laying down a foundation using herringbone stitches, followed by an intricate pattern of interlacing.
Once the basic technique is mastered, students will be given the opportunity to follow a more intricate design and be encouraged to create their own.
Date
Thursday, July 30th, 2026
Time
12:00-2:30 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
- 1 piece non-stretch fabric (cotton or linen recommended) approx. 8”-12” square
- 6 strand cotton embroidery floss
- Size 5 Embroidery needles
- Embroidery scissors or snips
- Embroidery hoop
- Optional : graph paper for design, extra fabric for practice
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.
Our Teacher
Shahnaz is an embroidery artist and educator focused on the preservation of traditional techniques and their use in contemporary art. She loves what can be gleaned about culture and history through the various adornments of cloth with a needle and thread.
She lives in New York City where she works as a costume tailor for Broadway, film, & television. Her embroidery practice has led her to work on a variety of projects including: visual art collaborations, couture fashion (Alexander McQueen & Burberry) and most recently a commission for HBO’s Gossip Girl.
Her goal is to inspire her students to incorporate traditional embroidery techniques into their contemporary work.