Handloom Stole | Soof Embroidery

In the dry but culturally rich landscapes of Gujarat’s Kutch region, storytelling isn’t always passed through words. Sometimes, it travels through thread. The Soof embroidery seen on this handcrafted stole has been quietly preserved by generations of artisan women. Each stitch carries not just beauty, but also meaning—stitched from the artisan’s own imagination, built line by line without tracing, measuring, or templates.

This pink stole, crafted from Kala cotton and detailed with Resham dora (silken thread), brings that heritage into your everyday wear. Measuring 20 x 84 inches, it is lightweight, breathable, and elegant—perfect for casual outings, slow mornings, and special moments alike.

The Story of Soof Embroidery
Soof embroidery is not sketched, drawn, or printed. It is built from memory and vision, stitched from the back of the fabric with precise, counted-thread techniques. The word “Soof” itself means “clean” or “neat” in Gujarati, referring to the crispness of the geometric designs it creates.

Practiced by women from the Meghwal and Sodha Rajput communities, Soof embroidery has long been used to embellish bridal trousseaus, garments, and ceremonial textiles. The motifs are angular—usually triangles, squares, or vines—and reflect a sense of discipline, order, and silent creativity.

By adapting this tradition onto a modern stole, artisans are ensuring that the craft isn’t just preserved—it is lived, worn, and passed on in new forms.

The base fabric is Kala cotton, a hardy, organic cotton variety indigenous to Kutch. It is grown using rain-fed methods, without any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Known for its coarse texture and durability, Kala cotton also allows the skin to breathe—making it ideal for all seasons.

The Soof embroidery is worked by hand using Resham dora, a fine silk thread that adds subtle shine and contrast against the soft pink backdrop. The motifs are stitched near the ends, allowing the embroidery to frame the wearer gracefully when draped.

Each stole takes days to complete, depending on the density of the embroidery. There is no shortcut—just rhythm, repetition, and the artisan’s deep familiarity with the craft.

What Makes It Different from Machine-Made Stoles
Machine-made stoles often rely on digital patterns or printed motifs to simulate handwork. But those designs are repeated in bulk and lack the depth, irregularity, and soul that hand embroidery carries.

In this handcrafted Soof stole, no two pieces are identical. The embroidery comes with tiny signs of human effort—the slight curve of a triangle, the varied tension of the thread—that serve as reminders of the hands behind the work.

Buying such a piece supports rural artisans, respects sustainable practices, and brings into your wardrobe something truly personal and lasting.

Key Features
Traditional Soof Hand Embroidery: Authentic motifs, created from memory and skill

Sustainably Made Kala Cotton: Organic, breathable, and ideal for everyday wear

Silken Resham Thread: Offers subtle contrast and long-lasting color

Versatile Style: Can be worn with Indian and Western outfits alike

One-of-a-Kind: Every stole is different in pattern and stitch

Handmade in Gujarat: Crafted by skilled women artisans keeping centuries-old craft alive

Soft, Natural Texture: Comfortable against skin and adaptable to all climates

Care Instructions
To maintain the charm and structure of this embroidered stole:

Hand wash separately in cold water using mild detergent

Avoid soaking or harsh rubbing

Do not bleach

Dry flat in shade to retain embroidery vibrancy

If ironing is needed, use a cotton cloth barrier and press lightly on the reverse side

With mindful care, this stole will retain its softness, shape, and embroidery for years to come.