Zardozi, Dabka and Beadwork: A Short Guide to Hand Embroidery

Craft · 15 October 2026

Craftsmanship is what separates couture from ready-to-wear. When we talk about handwork, these are some of the techniques we mean.

Zardozi

Zardozi is metallic embroidery worked by hand with gold- or silver-toned thread and wire. It is often raised and dimensional, which is why it catches the light so richly on velvet and silk.

Hands stitching raised gold zardozi thread into a paisley motif on maroon velvet

Dabka

Dabka uses a fine, coiled metallic thread that is laid on the fabric and stitched down. It is used for delicate outlines, borders and fine lines of detail.

Fine coiled gold dabka thread laid in delicate outlines on ivory silk

Beading, Pearls and Crystals

Beads, pearls and crystals are sewn on one at a time. Bugle beads give a linear, shimmering texture, while pearls and crystals add softness and sparkle. Used together, they create depth that cannot be printed or machine-made.

Pearls, bugle beads and crystals being hand-sewn onto blush net fabric

Why Handwork Takes Time

Each motif is drawn, placed and stitched by hand, often on a frame, before the panels are cut and assembled. The amount of handwork you choose shapes both the character of the outfit and the time it needs.

Tell us how much embroidery you would like, and we will help you decide where it will matter most.