Master Hand Embroiderer (Hand Crafted Textiles)
Creates embroidery designs on fabric by hand, using stitches such as cross stitch, French knot and appliqué work, plus decorative embellishments.
Overview
Embroidery is the art of decorating primarily textile fabric, by means of a needle and thread. The tasks a Hand Embroiderer is expected to perform include creating designs as per tracings provided on to the fabric. They are also trained to use a variety of sewing techniques to create different embroidery stitches and effects such as cross stitch, French knot stitch, bullion knot stitch, shade work, appliqué work, English smocking etc. They also learn using decorative stones to fix for embellishments and stitching a variety of fat stitches, loop stitches and knotted stitches.
Where they work
- Fashion designers, Self Help Groups and NGOs retained by designers or fashion houses
- Embroidery training centres
Work environment
A typical workday is for 8/9 hours and for 6 days a week. You may have to work in shifts. Entrepreneurship: after a few years' experience you can have your own set-up and take orders for embroidery and deliver.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have an artistic bent of mind
- You have good eye-to-hand coordination
- You like creating things
- You have good communication skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment. NSQF course levels, entry requirements and availability change — verify with the training provider.
- 1Minimum qualification: after completing class 8 and being 18 years of age you can enrol for a National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Level 4 Mason (Tiling) course. (This appears to be a printing error carried over from the Mason (Tiling) card; check with the training provider for the correct hand-embroidery course name and NSQF level.)
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh
- MIT Institute of Design, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Hand Embroiderer
- 2Senior Hand Embroiderer
- 3Entrepreneur or Embroidery Designer
Expected income
₹8,000 – ₹9,000 per month
As printed, this is the salary of a Master Hand Embroiderer (Hand Crafted Textiles) fresher. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Appliqué Artisan
Creates patterns and designs by tracing, cutting and hand-stitching fabric shapes onto a base fabric.
Crochet Lace Maker - Furnishings
Crochets lace components from different yarns to given specifications, for apparel, accessories and furnishing products.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Pabiben Rabari — She broke the mould by being the first woman from the Rabari community to own a website, conduct business and take Rabari embroidery to the world. Born in Kukadsar, a small town in Kutch, she had to quit studying after the 4th grade, but giving up was never an option for her. With her husband as her constant support, she not only invented a new form of machine embroidery but also started an artisan enterprise that empowers tribal women. Today her designs have crossed the borders of Kutch to be featured in Bollywood and Hollywood films, with clients across the globe. She was also among the 15 uniquely-skilled artisans who helped design the Sui Dhaga logo, which incorporated 15 different Indian art forms. Most recently, she was seen on the hot seat of Amitabh Bachchan's Kaun Banega Crorepati.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 963 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3jvKqz7
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card's minimum-qualification line repeats the Mason (Tiling) card's NSQF course name word for word, so it is flagged rather than passed off as the correct course; verify the actual hand-embroidery qualification and level with the training provider.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.