What is Tepchi ?
Chikan embroidery is the famous embroidery of Lucknow, India. It is believed that this embroidery work was introduced by Nurjehan, Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s wife. It is one of the famous textile decorations of Lucknow. In Chikankari traditionally white threads are used on transparent muslin cloth. Tepchi is one of the 32 kinds of Chikankari embroidery work, and is an intricate form of Indian embroidery. It is single-thread handwork, which is suitable for medium-sized floral designs. The thin cotton thread work is done so that it gives the impression of print on fabric. Every stitch is similar to the other and uses a very thin type of thread. Tepchi is a long running or darning stitch worked with six strands on the right side of the fabric taken over four threads and picking up one. Thus, a line is formed. It is used principally as a basis for further stitchery and occasionally to form a simple shape.