Global Textiles | Traditional Textiles - INDIA

HAND EMBROIDERY STYLES

Published: July 20, 2020

Author: munimji

Hand embroidery is an art of enhancing and beautifying the cloth with the help of needle, threads, beads, and sequins creating an alluring design on the fabric. Traditionally the embroidery was done on household objects like table cloth, pillow covers, bedsheets, and on women dresses. Handwork embroidery is done cautiously using colored threads. In embroidery style, design, and motifs depend on the artisan’s creativity of using colorful threads and beading thereby giving an aesthetic look to the cloth.

Hand embroidery is broadly classified into 4-5 categories i.e. open work, counted thread work, outline work, and void work along with the colored work and regional specific embroidery form. Then traditional embroidery styles are mixed, cross, and combined together to create a spectacular design.

Let’s discuss some amazing hand embroidery techniques –

Assisi Embroidery

It is accounted for thread embroidery technique and a combination of whitework and counted thread work. This type of embroidery uses a red and black thread for filling the design and black for outlining. Assisi embroidery is done on Lenin and the background is filled with cross-stitch or regular cross stitch with the central image of the design is left empty. The outline of the design can be done using a backstitch or stem stitch.

Raised work Embroidery

Raised work embroidery is also known as Stumpwork and is originated in the mid-1600s in England. It is an embroidery technique in which stitched figures are raised from the surface to give a three-dimensional effect. In this type of embroidery pre-stitches pieces of embroidery, raised Stitches are used to create a realistic design including stylized scenic pictures, fauna, and flora. Threads used for this type of embroidery include wool, cotton, and Silk thread.

Whitework Embroidery

As the name suggests white work is the type of embroidery done using white thread on white fabric and is originated in India and China. This is also known as the French Laid Work and includes any type of other embroidery technique like Shadow work, fine white work, drawn thread work, etc. This embroidery style is used to decorate table linens, Church linens, Christening gowns, wedding veils, handkerchief, and delicate lingerie. It is very popular for its elegance and delightful appeal. Fabrics used for whitework are thin Muslin, cambric, and linen.

Blackwork embroidery

It is a traditional Spanish embroidery style. It is done with the black embroidery thread on a piece of white fabric. The aim of blackwork is to create fillings use within the designs. Originally the blackwork was done on white or light-colored linen with black thread but today it can be done on dyed fabric with a variety of colors. Blackwork uses a double running stitch technique for filling patterns. This is reversible in work in the back and the front looks the same. Modern blackwork is used to create geometric designs but it can also be used to stitch beautiful picture embroidery.

Fish scale embroidery

It is an imaginative and creative form of embroidery using a scale of fishes design for decorative purposes. The design may include the scales of any fish but the scales of Goldfish and Perch are preferred owing to the variation of colors. Embroidery is done on velvet or other rich fabric. For the design to be perfect it is first drawn on a paper and outlines are stab through a pin and then the patter is placed on a material. The fish scale are prepared and then two holes are made on the base of each fish scale for it to be stitched on the fabric.

Hardanger Embroidery

Hardanger embroidery is named after a Southwest Norway region in a country of Hordaland by Hardanger Fjord. It was originated from the Middle East and then spread to Europe with a hitch to the Reticella and Venetian needle laces. Reticella is a geometric style having squares, diagonals, triangles, and arcs. Hardanger embroidery is a perfect blend of cutwork, drawn work, and needle weaving. A traditional form of this embroidery was identified by satins, stitch blocks formed into geometric designs, and the cuttings of threads within these shapes.

Goldwork embroidery

Goldwork embroidery is considered to be the magnificent and affluent form of embroidery techniques. Originally it was affordable by the wealthy and rich people. Traditionally Goldwork embroidery was used to beautify ministerial Textiles military uniforms and Textiles for virtue. Goldwork is different from other embroidery techniques. Threads used in this embroidery are made from the real metal in colors like gold, silver, copper give a stunning effect. Goldwork embroidery is blended with Silk Shading so that the rich color leads the gold.

Zardozi Work

Zardozi work was originally considered as a symbol of royal patronage and existed in India since the time of Rigveda. This is a type of heavy and complex metal embroidery using a special type of metal thread shaped like a spiral tube. It is done on which fabrics like Silk, Satin, and velvet. Designs are created using gold and silver threads combined with pearls, beads, and precious stones. This type of embroidery is especially found on wedding wears and wedding accessories. 3D look of raised metal threads, gleam, and sparkle of zardozi thread give it an engaging look.

Faggotting Embroidery

This embroidery was used in the 19^th century for women lingerie. Faggotting is a technique of stitching two edges of textile together with decorative stitching creating a zigzag pattern.

Chicken scratch embroidery

Chicken scratch embroidery is done using cross stitching on gingham cloth. This embroidery technique is considered to be unsophisticated and simple as the squares of gingham give grids upon which chicken scratch is worked. Cotton Threads are generally used for this type of embroidery. Though it is a simple form of embroidery by combining stitches and thread weights, complicated patterns can be produced giving it a finer look. This embroidery form is done on household items like aprons, decorative pillows, curtains, kid’s wear, etc.

Silk Ribbon embroidery

Silk Ribbon embroidery is done using synthetic or silk ribbon threaded on a needle. The 3D effect of this embroidery gives a stunning look. The effluent needlework can range from fine to bold, lavish, copious. Silk Ribbon embroidery is used to decorate pillows, book covers, clothes, greeting cards. Beats, pearls, and embroidery stitches can further enhance the look of this embroidery work.

Crewel embroidery

Crewel embroidery hearts a rich history with its traces in the early Medieval period and an extant historical example Bayeux Tapestry. This embroidery is done using wool threads. This work has gained its acceptance in the Jacobean arena with complex designs of birds, flowers, and beast done on household items and clothes. Nowadays, Crewel work is different from the traditional crewel with the addition of other types of threads being used along with the wool. Silk and cotton threads are combined with wool for this embroidery.

Jacobean embroidery

Jacobean embroidery is an embroidery design rather than an embroidery technique. The name Jacobean is coined from James 1 of England Under whose reign this embroidery style was flourished. Embroidery design includes flowers, vines, plants, animals, and birds. Jacobean embroidery designs are done on various fabrics and often combined to give a good look.

Ayrshire Work

Ayrshire work is also known as Ayrshire white work. This form of embroidery is done on fine Muslin using Satin stitch, beading stitch, and fine lace filling stitch using needle and thread. The lace filling stitches are worked in cut-out spaces and are a characteristic feature of this embroidery. This embroidery work includes floral motifs. It is used for women’s collar, cuffs, caps, as well as baby bonnets.

Applique

Applique is a technique by which small pieces of fabric or patches are attached to a larger base of material in a decorative pattern. There are three main types of applique work are – Overlaid applique, Inlate applique, and reverse applique. Cut out patterns include geometric shapes, images, and lettering. Generally, the materials used are in contrast in type, color, and texture so that it could be easily identified. This technique is either done by hand stitching or machine.