What is Embroidery?
Embroidery refers to the technique of making patterns and shapes onto pieces of fabric with the use of a needle, threads, and/or yarn. It is also considered to be a handicraft or an art form since it involves the creation of various designs with multiple colors. Others may opt for limited and monochromatic colors while others prefer using a variety of colors and hues. Basic embroidery makes use of only threads and yarns. But over time, people got more creative and incorporated other materials into this particular sewing technique. Buttons, sequins, beads, gemstones, quills, and metal strips are just few of the materials that can commonly be part of an embroidery design.

The exact history of embroidery is rather unknown but early examples were sourced from China during Zhou’s Dynasty, from the northern parts of Europe during the Iron Age, and from the dry lands of Egypt. It was said that in the past, patches of cloth were made to be sown on the cloth as a form of mending or reinforcement. This process then led to discovery of designing patches on various cloths which became embroidery later on. Many samples of cloths in the past also demonstrated several stitching techniques done to reinforce the edges. With the design and intricacy of the stitching techniques, embroidery became a popular decorative art form.

The threads and types of fabric used in embroidery vary from one country or place to another. In the past, the most widely used cloths and yarns were made of silk, linen, and wool. Modern-day embroidery designs make use of other available fabrics and yarns made of cotton, rayon, and other synthetic materials. And because of the Industrial Revolution, embroidery machines are now available to make a variety of designs and patterns. These machines provided a quick way of making embroidery designs especially for fabrics and cloths that are to be mass-produced for selling and distribution.