Learm With me: Anklet Stitch

India is known for its rich textiles, arts n crafts since ancient times. It is a potpourri of cultures, traditions, arts n crafts. There are a number of arts n crafts, which differ from region to region. I want to share my knowledge -what little I have, in this area with you all and also invite you to learn with me different Arts n Crafts with me.

Today I want to share about one of the Embroidery Stitches. This is Muvvala Kuttu or Anklet Stitch as known in my State of Andhra Pradesh. This is like a type of braided Fly stitch with the tie down stitches slanted to face each other forming a “V”. This shape reminds us of the shape of tiny Bells or Muvvalu worn in the silver anklets by the women of Andhra.

As you know a Fly stitch is worked by working of a V-shaped loop which is then tied down by a vertical straight stitch. A Braided Fly stitch is worked by lapping of each stitch over one another to form a pattern of “Y”.

The procedure is explained in the step by step stitches given below:

Fig 1 Start at A and make a loop to B

Fig-2

At C take out the needle from beneath the fabric and make a slant stitch –slanting to right- to D to tie down the loop

Fig 3

Now start the next loop from the center of first loop- at E and make a loop to F

Fig 4

While making the tying stitch for the second loop from G, enter the needle back at D

The next loop should start at B and so on.

I have worked it on Matty cloth to give a clear picture. But this stitch can be worked on any fabric.

This is another example of the Stitch I have worked, using beads and Kundan. The border is worked out with Purple colour thread and I have simply inserted the green thread on three sides underneath the “V”s formed by the tying stitches. In the center I have worked a circular version of the stitch.

These are some of the variations of the Stitch I worked

The first is the straight line. This is very simple.

The second one is the Square 1-where I have worked the stitch in the corners and filled in with detached chain and straight stitches.

Square 2-I have worked the stitch in opposite sides to get the diamond shape, with a bead in the center.

Square 3 is similar to 2 above, but with a detached chain stitches.

Straight line 2- after the working the stitches, a row of detached fly stitches has been worked in orange thread

Round 1-stitches have been worked in circular shape to form a flower

Flower 1- three stitches have been worked to form a petal

I have experimented with the stitch. But need to work out other variations which have come to mind. I will post them soon after I finish them. Why don’t you try it and see if you can come out with some other variations of the stitch. I would like to know your suggestions and comments.