An ari hook is a long, fine ‘needle’ ending in a fine hook. The hook is normally fitted to a wooden handle. The shape of the handle depends on the ground material being used (such as cotton, leather or silk). The size of hook depends upon the type of work being carried out. A very fine hook is used for fine work, etc.
Ari embroidery, or ari work, is a style of chain stitch embroidery generally associated with India. It is worked with a long fine shaft ending in a fine hook (ari hook). The hook is normally fitted to a wooden handle. The word ari (also written aari) derives from a Hindi word meaning ‘hook’. Where exactly this type of embroidery originated is unknown, and apart from India it is also sometimes associated with China.
Mezzo punto is a form of lace (and more precisely a tape lace) that dates back to the European late Middle Ages and is made using a combination of bobbin lace, woven and buttonhole stitch techniques. The technique was re-introduced in the second half of the nineteenth century under the name Renaissance lace.
See double running stitch. Not to be confused with Roumanian stitch (1).