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In the field of ornamentation, embroidery alone can match jewelry in splendour. It is an expression of emotions, rendered with patient labour, which induces grace and elegance into articles of everyday use.

Noor Jehan, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir is said to have introduced the patterned on lace is delicate and subtle. The stitch by its sheer excellence provides ornamentation. The stitch by its sheer excellence provides ornamentation to the material. The charm lies in the minuteness of the floral motifs. Stitches used are satin stitch, button hole stitch, dar stitch, knot stitch, netting and applique work which brings a charming shadow effect on lace.

Embroidery done in metal wires by kalabattu or zari as it is popularly called, is in a class by itself. The heavier and more elaborate work is called zardozi. The ground material used is heavy silk, velvet or satin. Salma sitara, gijai, badla, katori, seed pearls pearls are used for decoration. Kamdani, a lighter needlework done on lighter material, produces a lovely glittering effect, especially in design known as hazara booti, thousand dots, done with zari thread. Kamdani is used for weaving apparel such as scarf veils, caps etc.

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