Aari embroidery part 1 - needles and threads

I'll be posting about aari embroidery which is also known as tambour embroidery in some countries for few weeks from now.

In this post let me explain about the needles and threads used in this technique.

NEEDLES
1.These aari hooks are made of iron.
2.They are handcrafted.
3.They are not coated.
4.They'll not spoil the silk threads because they are filed properly.
5.There is no specific size.(Will explain this later)
6.Many people think that these are crochet hooks but it's not.

                                                 a. hook used to stitch silk ,zari threads
                                                 b. hook used to stitch sequins,beads.

                                               
                                                              close up view.
                                       Note: hook b has a longer stem.

                                               
                                           hooks with wooden handles are also available    

In this image I'd kept a crochet needle first and a latch hook at the end just to show you all the difference between aari needle/hook and crochet,latch hook.For an extra grip,cotton thread is glued to the needle.

          Pony crewel needle#12 is used to fix beads, darning needle used to fix the material to the frame                                                                               


THREADS
        Mostly silk threads ,metallic threads(known as zari here),Silk Zari threads are used.

                                     Thick cotton thread  - used to fix the material to the frame

                                         a.metallic thread  b.silk thread  c.silk zari thread

                                            sequins,sequin mirror,plastic stones,beads


Happy stitching!
Anita.