How should Chikankari embroidered garments from Lucknow be washed and maintained?

Chikankari embroidery on fine muslin or georgette is one of India's most delicate craft textiles — and one of the most commonly damaged by incorrect washing:

What makes Chikankari care unique:

• The embroidery is done with white cotton thread on white or pastel fabric — no aggressive washing needed for colour
• The shadow work (where thread is worked on the reverse to create a shadow on the front) can be distorted by rubbing or machine agitation
• Fine muslin base fabric tears easily when wet

Washing Chikankari:

• Hand wash in cold water with very mild detergent
• For white Chikankari: add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to washing water — brightens white without bleaching
• Never rub or scrub embroidered areas — the shadow work stitches can be damaged
• Rinse thoroughly — detergent residue on white fabric shows as yellowing

Drying: Lay flat in shade — Chikankari on fine muslin stretches if hung while wet. Iron on low heat from the reverse side while still slightly damp.