The origins of Aari embroidery work travel through Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh to Kutch and other parts of Gujarat. The embroidery saw its fame and popularity through the Mochi or cobbler community of the region and soon became popular among the royals of Gujarat. 

 Tambour is known to be the western name for this embroidery which was adapted by the Portuguese and French. Aari gets its name from the needle that is used to do the embroidery, called an Aar.

Let's understand what Aari work is and how it is done. The elaborate craftsmanship of Aari work is indeed a tedious process. It all starts by drawing the designs freehand on the fabric. The fabric is held tight and secured for easy accessibility on a Khatla, also known as a tambour. After the drawing of the design is done, the artisan starts the embroidery process using the Aar or the hook needle.

In one hand, the thread is held at the reverse of the fabric, in the other, the aari needle is held. The needle is pierced through the material, bringing the thread up as the needle twists and comes back up. The needle is pierced into the cloth at a further distance, and the steps are repeated. This is how Aari embroidery technique works.