The word embroidery originated from the French word “broderie”, which means embellishment. It is used for the decoration of fabrics and other materials. On fabric, embroidery is done using a needle and thread or yarn. The needle is used to create intricate designs with the thread.
History of the Embroidery
The art of embroidery originated in China and the Near East. The earliest form of embroidery dates back to 30,000 B.C. or the Cro-Magnon days. Many decorated clothing with hand stitches has been found in excavations.
Some embroidery work from the fifth and third century B.C. have been found in China. In the Viking age, similar works were found in Sweden also. By the year 1000 embroidery works gained popularity in Europe and soon became a symbol of royalty and power.
The medieval Islamic period also considered embroidery as an important symbol of social status. In 18th century England, the embroidery was considered as a girl’s passage into womanhood and also a social status symbol. In 1900 embroidery became widespread with the paper patterns and order catalogs.
Interesting Facts about Embroidery
Today there are a lot of types of embroidery in India. Here are a few things you should definitely know about this popular embroidery:
Purpose of Embroidery
Embroidery has been used to distinguish between the social classes. The embroidered clothing was used by the higher status people. Lower classes would not wear any embroidered fabrics.
This notion has now changed. Today, every individual can wear embroidered clothing or jewelry to express their taste. It has got nothing to do with social status.
Hand made or Machine made
Originally this craft was a work of the hands. It was done in the traditional way using a needle and thread to create patterns. In recent times, the machine can be used to create beautiful embroidery on various clothing or other materials.
Machine-stitching is faster and does not require you to learn any skills. You can easily create many designs in a short span of time. Advanced technology has helped to revolutionize the art of embroidery.
Hand stitching is still much valued. Hand-embroidered clothing usually sell at a higher rate. Hand stitching requires lots of practice and learning.
Importance of Needle
The needle you choose for doing the embroidery plays an important. The fabric which is tightly woven needs a sharp needle, whereas, linen or canvas can be embroidered using a blunt needle.
Faster work can be done using a shorter needle, while, longer ones are needed for looping the thread.
So, the needle needs to be selected based on the fabric and design.
Trends in Fashion
Embroidery has now become a craze for the world-known designers Gucci and Marc Jacobs. Celebrities are also in love with the embroidered clothing. It is quite a trendy thing in the fashion world.
Embroidered Jewelry
Embroidery is not limited to fabrics only. Now even jewellery with embroidery is available in the market. Small pieces of cloth with embroidery are embedded in pendants which can go with all types of chains. Rings with embroidery are also worn by many. Brooch and earrings are also available in embroidery designs.
Embroidery on Wood
Now embroidery can also be done on wood. The procedure is simple. It involves drilling holes in the wooden furniture and then simple thread those holes to create interesting patterns. The embroidered wood enhances the look of the furniture.
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