One of Kashmir’s renowned embroideries, Chainstitch, continues to survive in the nimble hands of 72-year-old Abdul Qayoom Wani from Srinagar, who has dedicated nearly 55 years to this intricate craft. Having learnt the art from his father, Mohammad Ramzan Wani, he has witnessed both its flourishing years and its slow decline. Known for the enchanting texture it lends to fabric, Chainstitch today faces an uncertain future due to dwindling demand, market pressures, and waning interest among the younger generation.

Wani recalls a time when young artisans eagerly sought to master Chainstitch, but now expresses deep regret as he watches the craft gradually fade into obscurity. Though he has trained nearly 600 aspiring craftsmen, he fears these efforts may not be enough without systemic support. According to him, initiatives to revive and sustain this heritage craft remain minimal, leaving Chainstitch, once a vibrant expression of Kashmiri artistry, on the brink of being lost to history.