Believed to be introduced by Nur Jehan, Mughal emperor Jahangir's wife, in India, Chikankari is a standout embroidery form in Lucknow. The word "Chikan" derives its meaning from the Persian word "Chakin" and means embroidery which is delicate and shadow work type of embroidery.

Chikankari is the embroidery work done with the white cotton thread on a fine white cotton material. The kind of sewing utilized relies on the area and the sort and size of the patterns. The most prevalent types of stitches in Lucknow chikankari incorporate the backstitch, chain fasten and hemstitch. The outcome is an openwork design, a jaal (lace) or shadow work.