Shopping for hand embroidery online means trusting photos and descriptions. That is easy to get wrong, because many sellers use machine embroidery or printed βchikanβ patterns and call it handwork. This guide gives you a simple checklist for judging any Lucknowi hand embroidery shop before you buy, and shows how Lucknow Threads answers each point.
The quick checklist
- Does the seller say the embroidery is done by hand, and where?
- Are there close-up photos of the stitching?
- Is the fabric named clearly (cotton, rayon, modal cotton, Chanderi silk)?
- Are sizes, measurements, shipping and returns easy to find?
- Does the price make sense for the hours of handwork involved?
- Can you reach a real person with questions?
1. Look for clear craft details
A trustworthy seller names the craft, the place and the stitches. Chikankari comes from Lucknow, and its signature stitches include bakhiya (shadow work), phanda, murri, tepchi and jali. If a listing only says βchikan styleβ or βembroideredβ without detail, be cautious. Learn the basics in our guide to what chikankari is.
2. Check the back of the fabric
Hand embroidery shows small knots and slightly uneven thread ends on the reverse side, and no two motifs are exactly identical. Machine embroidery looks perfectly regular. Printed imitations feel flat to the touch. Our guide to authentic chikankari lists more checks you can do when the garment arrives.
3. Fabric should be named, not hidden
Good listings tell you exactly what the garment is made of, because fabric decides drape, comfort and care. At Lucknow Threads we use cotton, modal cotton, rayon and Chanderi silk, and explain each in our Chikankari fabric guide.
4. Transparent sizing, shipping and returns
Before you pay, you should be able to find the size chart, delivery times, customs information and the return window. Be careful with sellers that hide these details until checkout.
For Lucknow Threads, orders ship from Toronto within 24β48 hours. Delivery takes 1β3 business days in Toronto and the GTA and 3β10 business days across the rest of Canada. Canadian orders over CAD 120 ship free, with a flat CAD 9.95 fee below that. Canadian orders can be returned within 7 days of delivery. International orders are not eligible for returns, and customers are responsible for import duties and taxes. The full terms are on our shipping and return policy page.
5. Pricing that reflects the work
Hand embroidery takes many hours of skilled work. A price that looks too low to cover that labour is a warning sign. At the same time, a high price alone does not prove authenticity, so use the other checks too.
6. Reach a real person
A reliable shop answers questions before you buy. You can email us at info@lucknowthreads.com with sizing or fabric questions. We aim to reply within 1β2 business days.
About Lucknow Threads
Lucknow Threads is a Toronto-based brand, established in 2023, that brings hand-embroidered chikankari from Lucknow to customers across Canada. We sell online. Browse our chikankari kurtis and co-ord sets.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if an online shop sells real hand embroidery?
Look for close-up photos, named stitches, a stated place of origin and clear policies. When your order arrives, check the back of the fabric for knots and slight irregularities.
What is the best fabric for a summer outfit?
Cotton is the most breathable choice for hot, humid weather. Modal cotton and rayon are good alternatives with a softer drape.
Is chikankari always white?
No. It began as white-on-white work, but today it comes in many colours with tonal or contrasting thread.