The rich and exquisite world of Asian textiles is one that has fascinated people for decades. One of the most esteemed and admired categories of Indian textiles is the fabric known as Kota, which originates from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras. It's a textile that boasts some of the most intricate and beautiful weaving techniques, two of which are the Kad, which are frequently misused interchangeably.
Kadwork is a technique utilized in Banarasi weaving, characteristic of delicate floral patterns crafted by hand. The term 'kad' is an Urdu language, which translates to 'to cut'. However, differing cutwork and tamba hada from other regions, the outcome of Kadwork in Banarasi fabric features motifs in Soft silk Banarasi saree for women design threads set against a primarily dark-contrasting background. Also known as the "flower weaving technique", a standard feature of classic Banarasi fabrics. This time-consuming process entails threading an intricately designed needle repeatedly, which makes each and every floral design unique. Since these patterns need additional careful efforts to prevent thread breakage, expert artisans are preferred while working on exact designs in Kadwork pattern.
Cutwork is a form of embroidery that utilizes small scissors or a special hand tool called a "scissor-like tool" and relies on the physical removal of threads to demonstrate relief in design contrasted to the others like kadwork that uses single thread on simple weaving machine and cutwork in a broader sense, appears relatively simple but actually involves several technical aspects like ensuring an uniform pressure on woven fabric so both regular and skilled tailor appears to take this care while sewing cutwork whereas on the other hand, the other option relies on the emplacement of threading.
The difference between Cutwork techniques is Kadwork is historically linked to the weavers of Banari who put up meticulous patterns on the fabric, and Cutwork weavers mostly depend upon manual manipulation on the design by hand as part of a small industry on the fabric rather. In principle, their procedures and outcomes can transform in difference substantially, and both techniques can be apparent on numerous textiles.