Metallic thread, historically flattened silver or gold wound on a silk core, now most often a metallised polyester. It is what gives Indian borders their weight and their shine.

Small mirrors held to the cloth by a stitched frame, a Gujarati and Rajasthani tradition. The mirrors are rigid, so the trim will not press flat and will not take a tight curve.

What is the difference between zari and mirror work?

Zari: Metallic thread, historically flattened silver or gold wound on a silk core, now most often a metallised polyester. It is what gives Indian borders their weight and their shine. Mirror work: Small mirrors held to the cloth by a stitched frame, a Gujarati and Rajasthani tradition. The mirrors are rigid, so the trim will not press flat and will not take a tight curve.

Zari or mirror work?

Two ways of putting shine on a border: metallic thread carried through the weave, or rigid mirrors stitched to the face. Only one of them presses flat.

Written by Jugal Kachiwala, who runs the retail arm

Last updated 5 September 2026

	Zarialso: Zardozi thread	Mirror workalso: Abhla, shisha
What it is	Metallic thread, historically flattened silver or gold wound on a silk core, now most often a metallised polyester. It is what gives Indian borders their weight and their shine.	Small mirrors held to the cloth by a stitched frame, a Gujarati and Rajasthani tradition. The mirrors are rigid, so the trim will not press flat and will not take a tight curve.
Designs counted	115by material: metallic zari	43by category: Embroidery Laces with Stones and Mirrors
From	₹30	₹660
Widths	5–100 mm	16–145 mm
Colours stocked	63Silver, Antique Gold, Pearl, Rose Gold +59	34Sky Blue, Cream, Green, Red +30
See them	Zari trims and borders	Mirror and stone work laces

Every figure is read from the catalogue as this page is built, across all designs carrying the attribute named — not a sample of them, and not the category totals in the menu, which count a shelf rather than a technique. The descriptions are the trade definitions from our glossary.

In short

What is zari?: Metallic thread, historically flattened silver or gold wound on a silk core, now most often a metallised polyester. It is what gives Indian borders their weight and their shine.
What is mirror work?: Small mirrors held to the cloth by a stitched frame, a Gujarati and Rajasthani tradition. The mirrors are rigid, so the trim will not press flat and will not take a tight curve.
What is the difference between zari and mirror work?: Zari: Metallic thread, historically flattened silver or gold wound on a silk core, now most often a metallised polyester. It is what gives Indian borders their weight and their shine. Mirror work: Small mirrors held to the cloth by a stitched frame, a Gujarati and Rajasthani tradition. The mirrors are rigid, so the trim will not press flat and will not take a tight curve.

About the author

Jugal Kachiwala

Retail, Lami Trims

Jugal Kachiwala has worked with the output of Lami Trims' looms since 2023, and runs the mill's retail arm. The designs on this site come off the company's own jacquard and embroidery machines in Surat; these guides are the answers the shop gives buyers who write in asking how much to order, how to attach a border, or how to wash what they have bought.

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