Bordari embroidery is one of the beautiful handicraft arts and is considered a form of embroidery.
“Bordari Embroidery” is one of the beautiful types of traditional Iranian embroidery. It refers to a style of stitching where, upon completion, the fabric takes on a lace-like appearance. In this embroidery technique, small parallel stitches are used to sew the design; the centers of flowers or patterns are then carefully cut out using a sharp-tipped scissors to create a lace effect. The borders of these cut-out sections are then decorated with additional stitches.
This type of embroidery was practiced in various forms in ancient Iran. However, since a similar style exists in European countries, many experts consider it solely a European technique. The French term “Bordari” also originates from Europe. In Iran, this art is also known as “Borideh Doozi” (cutwork embroidery).
Bordari embroidery consists of various branches, many of which can be done using a sewing machine. These include:
Hoop embroidery (Halgheh Doozi)
Spider web embroidery (Ankaboot Doozi)
Hazelnut embroidery (Fandoqi Doozi)
Lace embroidery (Toor Doozi)
Jour embroidery (Jour Doozi)
1. Simple Bordari Embroidery:
Start by transferring the design onto the fabric with a pencil. Using a sewing machine, stitch the design with varying thicknesses. After finishing, clean off excess threads and use a hot tool (such as a woodburning pen) to burn away sections within the design to create open spaces. If any black scorch marks remain, trim them from the back with scissors. To clean the tool, use fine sandpaper or denim cloth to remove residue.
2. Hoop Embroidery:
A modern and popular technique used on necklines, sleeves, pants, pillow covers, bedspreads, tray covers, bags, and more. It's a delicate method requiring skill. Position the hoop on organza fabric, then skillfully sew around it.
3. Hazelnut Embroidery (Fandoqi Doozi):
Choose an area, usually based on geometric designs. Densely stitch around the shape, then embroider the perimeter. Once that’s done, cut out the inside and discard it. While the fabric is still mounted, fill the open space with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal stitches using a straight or zigzag motion. You can then add circular stitching patterns inside the shape to create the hazelnut effect.
4. Spider Web Embroidery (Ankaboot Doozi):
Inspired by spider webs, this embroidery starts with mounting the fabric, drawing the design, and doing a dense zigzag around the inside edge. Then stitch horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. Use a rotational stitching pattern to fill the design—but unlike the hazelnut method, the lines in spider web embroidery should not touch and must remain open and airy. The difference lies in how dense or loose the spinning lines are.
Bordari embroidery can be categorized into two groups depending on the fabric used:
On cotton and linen fabrics
On synthetic and heat-sensitive fabrics
Bordari embroidery, or Borideh Doozi (cutwork embroidery), refers to a style where parts of the stitched design are cut out and removed from the fabric. We hope you found this information interesting. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions with us.
