Indian mirror work, known as Shisha, is the ancient Indian embroidery technique of attaching tiny mirrors onto fabric. Developed during the 17th century, it is practiced widely throughout India and the East and has many variations.
In this class, students will be introduced to the history of Shisha, while learning the traditional technique of creating a grid across the mirror which can then be stitched open creating a border.
Students will be encouraged to reflect on the cultural significance of embroidery, and what it can teach us about the history and traditions of our own and other cultures.
Date
Thursday, July 16th, 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
- 4” embroidery hoop
- Piece of non-stretch fabric, preferably cotton or linen.
- Small mirror approx 3/4” diameter or coin approx the size of a nickel.
- Size 8 Perle cotton embroidery thread
- Size 5 embroidery needle
- Scissors or snips
- Double stick tape
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.