Discover the Timeless Elegance of Chikankari with Lucknow Threads

Chikankari is not one stitch. It is a family of more than a dozen stitches, each with its own look. Knowing a few of them helps you recognise real hand embroidery and choose a piece you will love. Here are the ones you see most often.Bakhiya (shadow work)Worked on the back of the fabric so the thread shows through as a soft shadow on the front. It gives the delicate, almost ghostly look chikankari is known for. Our Asra collection is built around shadow work. Asra Mint Green Set with Inner Shadow work, inner included $120 CAD View product Asra Soft Grey Set with Inner Shadow work, inner included $120 CAD View product Ghas patti and phool paatiGhas patti is a pattern of leaf-shaped motifs that looks like blades of grass. You can see it on our Layla sets. Phool paati is a flower-and-leaf motif, seen on our Ayat sets. Layla Red Co-ord Set Black rayon, red ghas patti chikankari $75 CAD View product Ayat Pink Co-ord Set Rayon, phool-paati chikankari $80 CAD View product Other stitches to know Phanda: tiny knot-like stitches that form the centres of flowers and small motifs. Murri: small, slightly raised stitches shaped like grains of rice, often used for flower centres. Jali: a net-like openwork made by gently pulling threads apart instead of covering them. It adds lightness and texture. Tepchi: a long, simple running stitch used for outlines and borders. How to see them on your garmentTurn the fabric over. Hand embroidery has small knots and slightly uneven thread ends on the back, and no two motifs are exactly alike. Our guide to authentic chikankari lists more checks.Learn moreStart with what chikankari is, or browse the co-ord sets.Shop chikankari kurtis

Hand-embroidered fabric has little stretch, so getting the size right matters. This guide explains how to measure yourself and how to choose a size for Lucknow Threads kurtis and co-ord sets. How to measure Bust: measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level. Waist: measure around your natural waist. Hips: measure around the fullest part of your hips. Wear light clothing and keep the tape snug but not tight. Compare your numbers with the size chart on the product page. Our sizes Sizes are numbered (36, 38, 40 and so on), and many styles go up to 52. Availability varies by style and colour, so check the product page. Choosing between sizes Standard styles (for example Ayat and Inaya): these run true to size. Size up one for a relaxed fit. Sets that come with an inner (Afreen and Asra): order 4 sizes up from your bust measurement. For example, with a 38 bust, order size 42. If your measurements fall between sizes, size up. Compare with a kurta you own The easiest check is to lay a kurta you already love flat and compare its width and length with the garment measurements on the product page. Need help? Email info@lucknowthreads.com with your bust, waist and hip measurements and the style you like, and we will suggest a size. We aim to reply within 1–2 business days. Returns Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. International orders are not returnable, so confirm your size before ordering. See the shipping and return policy. Also read our plus size guide, or shop kurtis and co-ord sets.

Karwa Chauth falls on Thursday, 29 October 2026. If you are fasting in Canada, you will be dressed for a long day that ends with an evening outdoors, often in cold weather. Here are red and festive chikankari outfits that stay comfortable all day, and how to plan delivery.Red outfits for Karwa ChauthThe Zoya set is full red in soft, breathable rayon, shown here with its matching dupatta. The Samaira kurta is berry red Chanderi silk (sizes 42, 44 and 46 only, so check the kurti size guide first). The Layla set is black with red embroidery, a bold look that is not fully red. Zoya Festive Red Co-ord Set Rayon, chikankari + muqaish kamdani $89 CAD View product Samaira Berry Red Kurta Chanderi silk, sizes 42-46 $55 CAD View product Layla Red Co-ord Set Black rayon, red chikankari $75 CAD View product Ziva Rust Co-ord Set Chanderi silk, gold-woven detail $89 CAD View product Red is traditional, but many people also wear rust, maroon or a rich jewel tone, like the Ziva Rust set above.Don't forget the dupattaMany women cover their head with a dupatta during the Karwa Chauth puja and moonrise rituals, so the dupatta is part of the outfit, not an extra. A red dupatta with muqaish kamdani shimmer works over a set in almost any colour. Chiffon is lightweight, so it stays in place without feeling heavy. See dupatta draping styles and how to choose a chiffon dupatta. Zoya Chiffon Red Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $35 CAD View product Zoya Chiffon Royal Blue Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $35 CAD View product Zoya Chiffon Bottle Green Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $35 CAD View product Bandhej Art Silk Dupatta Art silk, gold border $45 CAD View product Browse the Diwali EditDress for a long day and a cold evening Choose a soft, breathable fabric such as rayon so you stay comfortable through the day. Layer a long coat or a wool shawl over your set for the evening moonrise outdoors. Wear closed shoes and warm socks if you are going outside. Pin the dupatta in place if it is going over your head, and keep it for indoors if the wind is strong. Plan your delivery Order by Monday 26 October for Toronto and the GTA (1-3 business days). Delivery to the rest of Canada takes 3-10 business days, so a late order may not arrive before 29 October. In that case, choose a piece for Diwali on 8 November instead.Orders ship from Toronto within 24-48 hours. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. See the shipping and return policy. For sizing help or questions, read the kurti size guide or email info@lucknowthreads.com (we aim to reply within 1-2 business days). Compare fabrics in the chikankari fabric guide.

The Diwali Edit has 14 hand-embroidered chikankari and kamdani pieces for the festive season. Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Here is how to choose by look, fabric and price.Shop the Diwali EditBold and sparkling: Zoya (rayon, $89)Rayon is soft, breathable and flowy, good for a long evening of visiting family. Hand-done chikankari is paired with muqaish kamdani shimmer. Zoya Festive Red Co-ord Set Rayon, chikankari + muqaish kamdani $89 CAD View product Zoya Bottle Green Co-ord Set Rayon, chikankari + muqaish kamdani $89 CAD View product Zoya Royal Blue Co-ord Set Rayon, chikankari + muqaish kamdani $89 CAD View product Rich and refined: Ziva (Chanderi silk, $89)Chanderi silk has a lustrous finish and suits dressier gatherings, without being heavy. Ziva Rust Co-ord Set Chanderi silk, gold-woven detail $89 CAD View product Ziva Mulberry Blue Co-ord Set Chanderi silk $89 CAD View product Ziva Dusty Blue Co-ord Set Chanderi silk $89 CAD View product Delicate shadow work: Asra ($120)Asra sets come with an inner. Asra Mint Green Set with Inner Shadow work, inner included $120 CAD View product Asra Peach Pink Set with Inner Shadow work, inner included $120 CAD View product Asra Soft Grey Set with Inner Shadow work, inner included $120 CAD View product Sizing: sizes are numbered. For Asra sets, order four sizes up from your bust measurement (38 inch bust: order 42). For other styles, check the size chart on the product page and read the kurti size guide.Looking for something lighter? The Layla Pink Rayon Co-ord Set ($75) is also in the Diwali Edit. To compare fabrics, see the chikankari fabric guide.Add a dupatta (or give one)A dupatta turns a simple set into a festive outfit, and makes an easy gift. See also our chikankari gift ideas. Zoya Chiffon White Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $30 CAD View product Zoya Chiffon Royal Blue Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $35 CAD View product Zoya Chiffon Red Dupatta Chiffon, muqaish kamdani $35 CAD View product Bandhej Art Silk Dupatta Art silk, gold border $45 CAD View product Dress for the weatherDiwali evenings in Canada are cold. Wear a long coat or a tailored wool blazer over your set for the walk from the car, and choose closed shoes or juttis with warm socks for outdoor events. Carry the dupatta and put it on once you are inside.CareHand wash cold, do not wring, and dry flat in the shade. Always follow the care note on the product page.Order in time for DiwaliOrder this week if you live outside the GTA (3-10 business days). For Toronto and the GTA (1-3 business days), order by 30 October.Orders ship from Toronto within 24-48 hours. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. See the shipping and return policy or email info@lucknowthreads.com (we aim to reply within 1-2 business days).Shop the Diwali Edit

Looking for a gift that is personal and not too expensive? Hand-embroidered chikankari makes a thoughtful gift, and several pieces are easy to wrap and easy to wear. Here are ideas by budget, in CAD. From $30 to $45: accessories Zoya chiffon dupatta with muqaish kamdani: $30 in white, $35 in festive red, bottle green or royal blue. Bandhej art silk dupatta with gold border: $45. Chikankari plazo: $35 for the straight style and $40 for the sharara style, both in white. Around $40 to $55: a first chikankari piece Inaya short kurti ($40): a hip-length kurti that works with jeans and trousers. See the Inaya guide. Samaira Chanderi silk kurta ($50–$55): a lustrous kurta for festive occasions. Maira modal cotton co-ord sets (from $50): a complete outfit in soft modal cotton. For a bigger gift Ayat and Layla rayon co-ord sets start at $75, and Ziva, Zoya and Geet Chanderi and kamdani sets run from $79 to $99. Browse co-ord sets. Choosing for someone else If you are unsure of the size, choose a dupatta, which has no sizing. White and pastels suit almost everyone. See colours that suit brown skin. Check the size guide before ordering clothing. Shipping and returns Orders ship from Toronto within 24–48 hours. Delivery takes 1–3 business days in Toronto and the GTA and 3–10 business days elsewhere in Canada. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. See the shipping and return policy. For more ideas, read our gift guide.

Lucknow Threads ships hand-embroidered chikankari from Toronto to customers across Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Surrey, Ottawa, Winnipeg and Montreal. Delivery across Canada Orders ship from Toronto within 24–48 hours. Delivery takes 3–10 business days across the rest of Canada outside Toronto and the GTA. Canadian orders over CAD 120 ship free. A flat CAD 9.95 fee applies below that. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. Because delivery time varies by location, order at least two weeks before a wedding or festival. See the full shipping and return policy. What to shop Chikankari kurtis, $40–$75 CAD Chikankari co-ord sets, $50–$120 CAD Dupattas and plazos, $30–$45 CAD Choosing for Canadian weather Cotton and modal cotton suit humid summers, and rayon works across spring and fall. For winter events, wear a Chanderi silk set under a long coat. Compare options in our fabric guide. Getting the size right Many styles run from size 36 to 52, and product pages suggest sizing up one for a relaxed fit. Email info@lucknowthreads.com with sizing questions before you order. We aim to reply within 1–2 business days.

Lucknow Threads is an online store based in Toronto. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham and Scarborough, your hand-embroidered chikankari order ships from the GTA and arrives fast. GTA delivery Orders ship within 24–48 hours. Delivery takes 1–3 business days in Toronto and the GTA. Canadian orders over CAD 120 ship free. A flat CAD 9.95 fee applies below that. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. We sell online only and do not have a retail showroom. Full terms are on our shipping and return policy page. What to shop Chikankari kurtis, $40–$75 CAD Chikankari co-ord sets, $50–$120 CAD Dupattas and plazos, $30–$45 CAD Planning for weddings and festivals Fast GTA delivery makes it easier to order for Diwali, Eid or a wedding with time to check the fit. See our guides to wedding guest kurtis and choosing a chikankari fabric. Questions? Email info@lucknowthreads.com for help with sizing or fabric. We aim to reply within 1–2 business days.

Cotton, rayon or Chanderi silk? Compare feel, drape and care for hand-embroidered chikankari, with real picks from Lucknow Threads. Ships across Canada.