Suzani embroidery is a type of traditional embroidery that originated in Central Asia. Suzanis are famous in Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and suzanis are in high demand all over the world, thanks to a growing interest in this traditional textile. Suzani, like many tribal crafts, is frequently copied, with copies generally being of lower quality than the original, and this is something that consumers should be aware of.
The way traditional suzani is made is one of its most distinguishing features. It begins with handwoven cotton/silk blend fabric panels that are basted together while a pattern is drawn on them, then pulled apart. Each panel is worked separately, then the piece is sewn back together, using connecting stitches to fill in small gaps in the embroidery if necessary. Rather than being made from a single sheet of material, a traditional suzani is made up of several panels.
For visual and textural variation, a variety of stitches are used, with many pieces including a variety of chain and couch stitching. Embroidery thread is traditionally made of silk and dyed with natural materials in vibrant reds, blacks, and golds. Synthetic dyes can also be used, and synthetics are becoming increasingly popular due to their colorfastness and boldness, as opposed to more muted natural dyes.
Suzanis can be used for a variety of purposes, including wall hangings, tablecloths, prayer mats, and bedspreads. They’re made to add a layer of insulation as well as provide decoration. Suzanis rarely feature depictions of people or animals, instead favoring ornate floral and geometric themes, owing to the fact that many of the crafters are Muslims. Embroidery is a valued skill in Central Asia because it is almost exclusively practiced by women, and for some women, it can be a source of economic independence.
Suzani is frequently used by people in the West who have a Middle Eastern or Central Asian décor scheme. These lovely embroidered pieces were originally brought back by travelers and served as both artifacts and decorative items. Many importers are beginning to carry embroidered pieces from Central Asia, including machine-embroidered suzani made of polyester and other low-cost materials, as interest in suzani grows. It’s a good idea to consult an expert before purchasing a pricey suzani if you don’t know how to identify hand-worked embroidery and tribal textiles.