The Art of Sozni

Kashmir's most refined needle embroidery — and the craft tradition that gives Soznique its name.

Close-up of fine Kashmir Sozni needle embroidery in silk thread on a hand-woven pashmina shawl
Heritage Craft

The Art of Sozni

Sozni is Kashmir's most refined needle embroidery — fine silk thread worked with a single needle so densely that patterns appear woven rather than stitched.

A master embroiderer may spend three to six months on a single pashmina shawl. Sozni is distinct from Kani weaving and from crewel work. Kashmir Sozni is a registered Geographical Indication craft — and the inspiration behind the Soznique name.

Soznique takes its name from this tradition. Our mission mirrors that of heritage Kashmiri craft houses: to bring authentically made, individually crafted pieces to a wider world while sustaining the livelihood of artisan families.

  • Technique: single-needle silk embroidery on hand-woven pashmina and wool bases
  • Origin: Kashmir Valley — GI-protected Kashmir Sozni craft
  • Time per piece: three to six months for a masterwork shawl
  • Distinction: separate from Kani weaving and crewel embroidery