Suf or Soof embroidery as we call it is an expression of art in itself. Suf is an aesthetic array of arithmetically lyrical motifs celebrating the intertwined effect of a fabric. The name Soof or Suf embroidery is derived from the word saaf or neat and clean portrays the individuality of its brand. It is characterised by angular formation of patterns on the fabric so inherent of the Suf technique.
The intricately, delicate technique of Suf proves out to be a painstaking process in which the embroiderer, creates patterns with surface satin stitch used from the back of the material, while meticulously counting the warp and weft of the fabric. The embroiderer envisages a design and translates it into simple geometrical patterns and directly applies it without pre-drawing on the surface of the fabric. Each and every thread is counted in reverse to create balanced, symmetrical, patterns with a lot of intricacy and skill. Motifs showcasing flowers, leaves, trees, fruits, birds and animals are created with this methodical process.
As the basis of the designs is the triangle which are joined together to make the motif, suf embroidery is very geometrical and emphasizes on symmetry.
Suf is comfortably applicable on fabrics whose structure is visibly countable, hence for all the handmade enthusiasts; Suf offers the delight of being stitched more than often only on handloom fabrics.
Traditional usage of colors barred the embroiderers to use black and blue in their creations as they signified mourning. Though contemporary Suf encompasses all range of color palettes from bright to neutral, cool to warm and pastels to monochromes.
Suf is traditionally practiced by women of the Sodha Rajput and Meghwal communities who migrated from Sindh, mostly during Indo-Pak war almost 40 years back. Originating from Thar Parkar in east Sindh these communities still bear the cultural ethos of that region. Soof which also bears a strong resemblance to phulkari of Punjab originated in Sindh and realtes to the embroidery styles found in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Suf Bharat, bears an intrinsic value in the social fabric of the communities practicing this craft form. Embroidered products form the main component of a bride’s wedding trousseau and are also considered a proof of her skill and industriousness. Traditionally abla or mirror work was not part of the Suf technique, though contemporary products use small sizes of abla as part of embellishing accessory.
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