Kamal Kadai (embroidery) is a famous artwork of Andhra Pradesh. From the name, some of you think that you embroider only Kamal (lotus) in this embroidery. But this is not true. The name does suggest a flower-shaped lotus but it is not necessarily a lotus. It is called Kamal Kadai because it resembles the leaves of the lotus flower. In this style of embroidery, leaves of the flower are longest in the middle and shorter from the sides.
First, a pattern is made on cloth using charcoal or pencil. The pattern is a geometrical one. The main stitch used in Kamal Kadai is the Woven Trellis Stitch for the flowers and leaves, in combination with other stitches to complete the pattern. A similar kind of thread work can be found in the western embroidery world, like the Teneriffe Lace Work. It is not sure if these two embroideries have inspired each other at some point in time, but my assumption is that they have originated findependently. Teneriffe Lace Work uses the Woven Trellis Stitch in elaborate patterns, unlike Kamal Kadai which stays humble and simple in its use and form. Kamal Kadai uses floral patterns with flowers of four or five petals. Often leaves are also stitched using the Woven Trellis Stitch. It has an overall step-like 3D effect, traditionally used on quilts and covers.
