Hand Embroidery

THE STICHED STORIES MAGAZINE

hand embroidery

Contents

History

Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn. The word embroidery comes from the French word broderie, meaning embellishment. In various forms, embroidery has existed since the production of fabric. While embroidery is practiced across the world, its origin stems from China and the Near East. Early embroidery can actually be traced back to Cro-Magnon days or 30,000 B.C. Archeological finds from this time period reveals fossilized remains of heavily hand-stitched and decorated clothing. Other early examples of embroidery are found in China dating to the Warring States period between 5th and 3rd century B.C. In Sweden, the earliest finds of embroidery are from a period known as the Viking Age, around the 9th and 10th centuries. Around the year 1000, the practice of embroidery began to rise in Europe with the growth of the Christian church and royalty gaining power. Richly decorated garments and ornaments in the form of wall hangings and tablecloths were commissioned to display power and wealth. Moreover, embroidery was important and in the Medieval Islamic world because it was a sign of high social status in Muslim societies. In cities such as Damascus, Istanbul, and Cairo, embroidery could be found on items such as handkerchiefs, flags, uniforms, robes, horse trappings, pouches, and covers. Later, in 18th century England and its colonies, embroidery was a skill marking a girl’s passage into womanhood as well as conveying rank and social standing. Soon after, however, the development of the embroidery machine and mass production came about in stages during the Industrial Revolution. The earliest machine embroidery, found

in France in the mid-1800s, utilized a combination of machine looms and hand embroidery. Around the year 1900, mail order catalogs and pattern papers helped embroidery become more widespread. Embroidery was no longer just the pastime of the upper class, as it could now be done on cheaper materials. Furthermore, while embroidery was historically performed primarily by women, the art of embroidery was now being enjoyed by men. During an interview, actor Henry Fonda revealed that embroidering was his favorite hobby. Another famous male embroiderer was Gustaf V, King of Sweden between 1907 and 1950. Today’s embroidery looks a lot different from the embroidery of the past. Most contemporary embroidery is stitched with a computerized embroidery machine using patterns that are “digitized” with computer software. While the style and technique of modern embroidery may be different from its ancient roots, much of the purpose and use of embroidery remains the same. Embroidery has, and always will be, a popular way for people to decorate their homes and themselves with personalized brands and logos.

Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery.

- Oliver Wendell Holmes

Shubhra Chandna

Resurgence

Hand embroidery has experienced a resurgence in recent years, as more and more people look to traditional crafts and hobbies as a way to relax and disconnect from technology. With its intricate designs and personal touch, hand embroidery has become a popular way for people to express their creativity and add a unique touch to their clothing, accessories, and home decor.

One of the reasons for the resurgence of hand embroidery is the increasing interest in sustainable and ethical fashion. As people become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and the poor working conditions in many garment factories, they are turning to alternatives such as upcycling and DIY fashion. Hand embroidery allows people to personalize their clothing and accessories in a way that is both eco-friendly and stylish.

Social media has also played a role in the resurgence of hand embroidery. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have made it easier for people to discover and share embroidery patterns and techniques, and many embroidery artists have gained large followings online. This has created a community of embroiderers who can learn from and inspire each other, and has helped to make hand embroidery feel more accessible and approachable to people of all skill levels.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, hand embroidery has also been shown to have therapeutic benefits. Studies have found that embroidery can reduce stress and anxiety, and can help to improve concentration and cognitive function. This has led to the emergence of embroidery as a form of mindfulness practice, with many people turning to embroidery as a way to relax and unwind.

Overall, the resurgence of hand embroidery can be seen as part of a broader movement towards slow living, sustainability, and self-care. As more people seek to live more intentionally and mindfully, crafts like hand embroidery are likely to continue to grow in popularity.

Process

Hand embroidery is a decorative art form that involves creating designs by stitching with a needle and thread onto fabric. The process of hand embroidery can be broken down into several steps:

Design: The first step in hand embroidery is to decide on a design. This can be a pre-existing pattern or a custom design that you create yourself. You can draw the design directly onto the fabric, or transfer it using transfer paper or a light box.

Fabric and Thread Selection: Choose a fabric that will work well with your design and thread. Different types of fabric will react differently to embroidery. Select the right color and type of thread, taking into account the weight and thickness of the fabric.

Hooping: It is the process of stretching and securing the fabric in an embroidery hoop. The hoop helps to keep the fabric taut and prevents it from wrinkling or bunching up during stitching. Ensure that the fabric is pulled tight and the design is centered.

Stitching: There are many different types of embroidery stitches, each with its own unique look and purpose. Some popular stitches are backstitch, chain stitch, satin stitch, and French knot. Start stitching according to your design, using a needle and thread. Take care to make each stitch consistent in size and tension.

Finishing: Once you have completed the embroidery, remove the fabric from the hoop and trim any excess thread. You can then frame the embroidery, sew it onto a garment, or incorporate it into a larger piece.

Shubhra Chandna

Designers

There are many talented hand embroidery designers out there! Here are a few that you might want to check out:

Sarah K. Benning - Sarah is an American fiber artist and embroidery designer known for her modern, botanical-inspired embroidery pieces. She earned a degree in graphic design from the University of Maryland in 2010 and worked as a graphic designer for several years before transitioning to embroidery as her main medium. She first gained recognition for her work through her Instagram account, where she shares her embroidery designs and process with her followers. Benning’s embroidery pieces often feature intricate and detailed depictions of plants, leaves, and flowers, and are created using a variety of embroidery techniques, including satin stitch, backstitch, and French knots. Her designs have been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries around the world, and she has also published several books on embroidery, including “Embroidered Life: The Art of Sarah K. Benning” and “Fresh Embroidery: Embroidery and Beyond with Crewel Work”.

Rebecca Ringquist - Rebecca Ringquist is a contemporary fiber artist based in Portland, Oregon. She is best known for her embroidery work that incorporates drawing, painting, and printing techniques. Ringquist often uses vintage fabrics as a base for her embroidery, and her work is inspired by traditional embroidery patterns, botanicals, and human figures. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums across the United States and internationally, including the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In addition to her exhibition work, Ringquist is also known for her embroidery classes and workshops, which she teaches both online and in-person. She has written several instructional books on embroidery, including “Embroidery Workshops” and “Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops: A Bend-the-Rules Primer”.

Danielle Clough - Danielle Clough is a South African artist and designer known for her intricate embroidery art. Clough’s work combines traditional embroidery techniques with contemporary subjects and vibrant colors, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and technically impressive. Her work has been featured in exhibitions around the world, and she has collaborated with a range of brands and publications. In addition to embroidery, Clough also works in other mediums, including painting, illustration, and graphic design. She is known for her distinctive style, which often incorporates elements of South African culture and landscapes. Clough has gained a large following on social media, where she shares her work and offers tutorials and workshops to aspiring artists. She has been recognized with a range of awards and accolades, including being named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans in 2016

Jenny Hart - Jenny Hart is a well-known figure in the embroidery world, particularly for her innovative designs and modern approach to the craft. She founded Sublime Stitching, a company that specializes in creating unique and contemporary embroidery patterns and supplies. Jenny’s designs often feature bold colors, quirky motifs, and playful typography, which have helped to make embroidery more accessible and appealing to a younger audience. In addition to her work with Sublime Stitching, Jenny is also an accomplished author and has written several books on embroidery and needlework. Her publications include “Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspire Your Stitching,” “Stitch-It Kit: Everything You Need to Make 15 Colorful Embroidery Projects,” and “Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patterns and How-To.” Through her writing and her work with Sublime Stitching, Jenny has played a significant role in revitalizing interest in the art of embroidery and helping to bring it into the modern age.

Shubhra Chandna

Events

Embroidery is a popular craft in India, and there are many events and exhibitions that showcase traditional and contemporary embroidery techniques. Here are some embroidery events in India that you might be interested in:

Surajkund Crafts Mela:- Surajkund Mela is a popular annual craft fair that takes place in Faridabad, a city located in the state of Haryana, India. The fair is usually held in the first two weeks of February, and it is a celebration of traditional Indian arts, crafts, and culture. The Surajkund Mela is organized by the Haryana Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, and Culture. The fair attracts a large number of visitors from all over India and abroad. The fair showcases the finest traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and ethnic products from all over India, including embroidered textiles, pottery, jewelry, and woodcrafts. Visitors can interact with the artisans, watch them work, and even try their hand at some of the crafts. There are also cultural programs, folk music, and dance performances that take place during the fair. The Surajkund Mela has become a significant event on India’s cultural calendar and is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Indian arts and crafts.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival:- The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual multicultural festival held in Mumbai, India. It takes place in the historic Kala Ghoda neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The festival features a wide range of events, including music performances, dance shows, film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. It aims to showcase the diversity and richness of Indian art and culture, as well as provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. The festival has been held every year since 1999 and has become a highly anticipated event in Mumbai’s cultural calendar. It attracts visitors from all over India and the world, and has been praised for its inclusive and community-driven approach to arts and culture.In addition to the events, the festival also features food stalls and markets selling handmade crafts and other items. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a celebration of creativity and diversity, and a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art and culture.