Embroidery Summary

Embroidery can be defined as the process of decorating a material, mostly a piece of cloth, with patterns that are stitched to it. This skill has a long historical background that has been passed in many generations from different cultures. There is mention of needlework even in the Old Testament Bible books such as Exodus. As an example, there were a number of intricate designs stitched on the official robe of a high priest. Indeed, religious embroidery was more intricate, where vestments and alter pieces were delicately adorned. Church and court embroiderers were more professional than secular ones. The Red Indians in America embroidered their pieces of skin coverings with dyed porcupine quills.

In all these cultures, the common denominator has been the fact embroidery was a show of high status in the community. It was and still is very distinct from patching up an old cloth. Egyptian mummies have been found wrapped in garments completely covered with gold stitches. In some cultures, women were expected to posse’s embroidery skills.

Many different materials are used when making embroidery. These decorative objects include jewels, beads, shells, feathers, and metals among others. They are used in different ways that result in different classifications. The embroideries are mostly categorized depending on the relationship of placing stitches on fabric, for example whether the stitches pass under the fabric or not. Another classification depends on how the design is placed on the fabric, whether on top or through it.

During the early periods, both men and women had their attires embroidered. At present, however, embroidery has largely remained for female clothing’s. The method employed has also rapidly changed from hand-operation to computerized technology. The sewing machines are controlled by computers that read digital files. This has succeeded the use of designs punched on paper tape, which had a high error margin that required complete restart of a project. The use of computers in this field was introduced by Wilcom in 1980. The Internet has propelled the process even further as currently you can find practically thousands of designs for free. In addition, the reduction in costs of computers has made it accessible to more people.

Once you have a digitized embroidery design file loaded on an embroidery machine, simply place your fabric in the machine. Of course you need to stabilize the fabric first in order to prevent wrinkles. Finally start and monitor your machine.