EMBROIDERY

disha goyal
May 23, 2021
3 min read

Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn. It has been practiced for decades. While embroidery is practiced across the world, its origin stems from China. 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 handstitched and decorated clothing.

I see embroidery as a very versatile artwork with raw finish that adds on to colors, textures, and uplifts your basic piece of clothing.

Hand embroidery and Machine embroidery are two different things, when you see hand embroidery it's very skilled, a lot of patience and time is put into a piece of work, it has a raw finish which is the beauty of hand embroidery. That's why hand embroidery garments turn out to be on the more expensive side than machine embroidery. Machine embroidery can be quicker and finer finished work.

I believe it's very important for a fashion student to know the basics of stitching and the types of stitches that exist. This art form helps in upcycling garments and various other products. DIYing is something I enjoy the most! Embroidery enhances your basic clothing, adds to your boring outfit, makes it look aesthetic.

Materials required:

Embroidery hoops
Embroidery Threads
Needle
Scissors
Muslin cloth/any fabric
pencil
Carbon paper

The process:

Select the fabric
Select the design
Trace the design on the fabric using carbon paper
Attach the hoop on to the fabric and thread the needle
Select the thread and color scheme
Start embroidering/fill the design
Once the design is embroidered, remove the hoop and your design is ready

ALL IN ONE EUPHORIA

To get started I tried my hand in some of the basic stitches of embroidery on a muslin fabric.

Some of the basic embroidery that I tried are: back stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, coral knots, zig-zag coral knots, algerian stitch, lazy daisy, french knot, couching, bullion stitch, feather stitch, chain stitch, filled running stitch and straight stitch.

Each stitch has it's own style and authenticity which makes it stand out. It was insightful to know where and how each stitch is used.

VINTAGE NOSTALGIA

In continuation... I created an abstract embroidery piece, 'VINTAGE NOSTALGIA' . Lately I have been obsessed with vintage aesthetics, so I used tints of brown! I've added a few more stitches like cross stitch, stem stitch, split stitch, button hole stitch and herringbone stitch. It's fascinating to see how the style and size of each stitch changes with the variations of waves/abstract lines.

THE BLANKET STITCHED ROSE

I am a nature lover therefore I took rose as my inspiration. I created this floral piece using blanket stitch, french knot and satin stitch. I was astonished to see the results because it's a simple design, yet it looks so beautiful! I adore how each stitch is complimenting each other!

LEFT OVER MARVEL

'LEFT OVER MARVEL' is made by left over threads. This particular art piece took the longest time to do. It comprises of satin stitch, french knot and cross stitch.

COLLECTION OF FLOWERS

'COLLECTION OF FLOWERS' is inspired from Diana Vingert's -'Pink and Burgundy peonies. Hand embroidery for beginner.' This is my first embroidery piece and it will always remain special to me. I love the tones used in this composition. I have also done hemming at the edges to keep the fabric intact. The composition gives a spring vibe!

I love doing embroidery and I think I will keep it as my major. Embroidery gives me a sense of satisfaction and calmness. I've never tried embroidery before this but when I did, I couldn't resist myself to do more! If you haven't tried doing it, you should. Some more cute explorations coming your way...Do share your vibe and comment!

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