The traditional “Karsaniko needlework embroidery” of Lefkada is being revived

Karya’s distinctive Karsaniko embroidery originated in the late 19th century by a disabled woman named Maria Stavraka. Her nickname was Koutsocherou because she had lost her right hand as a child and had a problem with her left. She experimented with stitching and she discovered a unique way to accomplish it, developing her technique and patterns.

Maria’s delicate needlework was initially admired by the aristocrat Zoe Valaoriti, who together with Queen Sophia’s help, established a School of Embroidery in Karya in 1912. Maria Koutsocherou taught the village’s girls until 1930. When the institution closed, it left behind an entire town of embroiderers. Thus, the women embroiderers of Lefkada achieved financial independence by bringing revenue into their houses from rich orders in the neighborhood.

Eleftheria Logotheti and Elichryso, in the city of Lefkada, has revived and evolved Karsaniko needlework, which now adorns women in jewelry, bags, and various accessories.