Vaal Kannadi, which translates to “sword-shaped mirror,” is a stunning traditional Tamil Nadu craft featuring small, intricate mirrors. Incorporating this work onto a blouse sleeve is a brilliant way to add heritage glamour. I once saw this on a bride’s sleeves, and the way the mirrors caught the light was breathtaking.

How to Incorporate It:

Strategic Placement: You don’t need to cover the entire sleeve. Embroider a delicate line of Vaal Kannadi mirrors along the cuff or tracing the seam from the shoulder down.

Combine with Embroidery: The mirrors are often held in place with a special thattai stitch and surrounded by intricate threadwork. This combination creates a rich, textured look.

Modern Twist: For a contemporary feel, use the mirrors sparingly as part of a larger, modern geometric pattern on the sleeve cap.

This artisanal detail turns a simple blouse into a piece of cultural storytelling.

This mirror work design is called the Valkannadi design and it involves the use of a big mirror with embroidery around it. Its derived from the mirror that was used in the ancient days made of a special metal alloy and polished to perfection. Its usually made in a place called aranmula and its also called the aranmula kannadi or aramula mirror.

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Designer dresses, Patchwork & Embroidery

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