Golabatoon

Golabatoon is a type of embroidery that is considered a feminine art form. Women and girls often dedicate part of their day and leisure time to sewing Golabatoon. Since women and girls engage in this craft under various emotional and moral circumstances, this art can be seen as a reflection of their inner feelings and a sign of their joys or sorrows. This beautiful art is recognized as one of the most prominent crafts of this region and has long adorned ceremonies, weddings, and gatherings.

What is Golabatoon Stitching? 

Golabatoon refers to a silk thread wrapped with a very thin strip of gold or silver. This delicate thread is sewn onto fabric using a small crochet hook or needle.

Types of Golabatoon Thread

- Domestic Golabatoon

  In the past, Ghalabatoon was produced within Iran, but unfortunately, it is now limited to just a couple of cities, namely Isfahan and Tabriz. It is also occasionally produced in cities like Kashan, Zanjan, Herat, Rasht, Mashhad, Qom, and Saveh.

- Foreign Golabatoon

  Nowadays, a significant portion of Golabatoon used comes from abroad, particularly India, which produces it in bulk and exports it to many countries. Due to the high cost of gold, most golden Golabatoon is made using other alloy metals, such as polished bronze or a very thin layer of gold plating. Although Golabatoon stitching is named for the golden thread used, in many cases, threads of other colors are also employed, leading to names like Kam Dozi and Kaman Dozi. In Golabatoon stitching, the background remains the original color, and patterns are sewn onto fabrics like velvet, silk, wool, and crepe in colors such as yellow, green, black, turquoise, burgundy, and orange. Sometimes, sequins, beads, and other decorative elements are also used in this type of embroidery.

Types of Golabatoon Stitching

In the first type, decorative elements are sewn directly onto the main background. In the second type, Ghalabatoon is used to attach and install ribbons, trims, beads, sequins, and more onto the main background.

Patterns Used in Golabatoon Stitching

The designs used in Golabatoon stitching are very diverse and include:

- Vines
- Toranj (a floral motif)
- Hourglass flowers
- Mihrab patterns
- Islamic floral designs
- Khatai flowers
- Armlet patterns
- Roman patchwork
- Moharamati or column patterns
- Boteh Jegheh (paisley)
- Sarvcheh (cypress)
- Various flowers
- And many other designs

Sometimes, the design is copied onto the fabric using carbon paper, while other times, it is created spontaneously by the creative mind of the embroiderer.Occasionally, the embroiderer showcases creativity by using two or more colors of Golabatoon and enhances the beauty with sequins and beads.

Tools Used in Golabatoon Stitching

The most important tool in Ghalabatoon stitching is the "Kaman," which is also known as a workbench in modern times. The Kaman is a circular wooden frame that holds the fabric tightly stretched and secured.

Sewing Methodbin Golabatoon

After preparing the Kaman and transferring the design onto the fabric, a small crochet hook (size 12 or 13) is used to pull the thread from under the Kaman to the top, selecting the next point, and then pulling the thread from top to bottom. By repeating this motion, the design emerges on the fabric. Although this process is slow and time-consuming, skilled women perform it quickly, creating unparalleled patterns.

Uses of Golabatoon

Golabatoon is used in various items such as:

- Wall hangings and decorations
- Quran holders
- Prayer rugs
- Tablecloths
- Formal dresses
- Cushions
- Pillows
- Curtains
- Bundles
- Backrests
- Money bags
- Pen cases
- Hairpin holders
- Eyeliner holders, and more.

Golabatoon is a valuable art form, and you can purchase a piece as a souvenir. We hope that the next time you visit Qazvin in Iran, you will bring back a precious gift of Golabatoon for your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you in Iran, Qazvin, and experiencing Golabatoon stitching together. Here’s to that day!