Embroidery - Everything you need to know

What is embroidery?

Embroidery is nothing more than the art of creating designs on fabrics using threads of a single color or of various colors and needles of various types. Although many do not know it, the embroidery technique has its origin in one of the oldest skills of the human being: sewing. Throughout the centuries, the textile trade has always been a very profitable business in various regions of the world. With this trade came the exchange of ideas between people from different countries of the world.

To obtain information about the history of the art of embroidery we can count on the style developed, the color of the threads, the type of fabric and the types of threads. In this text, we will briefly cover the various forms of embroidery that are used today and how you can make this fantastic art a very interesting hobby for yourself.

used points

Many stitches are used in embroidery, some easier, others more elaborate, with different levels of demand and knowledge. The different types of stitches used in embroidery projects depend on the type of fabric used. As the main types of stitches used, we highlight surface work and counted line work.

embroidery against tapestry

While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they have very different meanings. So let's try to understand the differences between them: tapestry is commonly used to describe how the process of weaving a pattern onto a cloth occurs while it is being made. The embroidery technique, for its part, consists of decorating fabrics by creating designs, using threads and needles for their elaboration.

surface work

Surface work, also known as free work, is an embroidery technique developed by needlework. In this way of working on embroidery, the embroiderers place the stitches on the background fabric to their liking. This free work technique allows creators greater creativity and flexibility in the development of their projects.
Among the best types of stitches in this artistic category, we include the chain stitch, straight stitch, line stitch, and satin stitch. In addition to the different points, the preferred materials for the execution of these projects are: wool, cotton and silk.

line of work counted

In counted thread embroidery projects, the type of woven backing material determines, in addition to the pattern, the direction and size of the stitches. When working with counted threads, it is always necessary to count the number of threads down and the number of threads through the material. Some of the most popular stitches in this technique are the curtain stitch and the cross stitch. The material for the development of this method was linen, however, some types of cotton are also suitable for these embroidery works. Thanks to technological advances, some evenly woven synthetic materials have been created that can also be used with great efficiency in creative projects.

See what you need to embroider, in this video of "Mar Pendas":

embroidery techniques

Embroidery is an art generally divided, in technical terms, into two categories: hand embroidery and machine embroidery.

Hand embroidery

This handmade embroidery method can be divided into two types: embroidery with decorative threads and embroidery with other decorative materials such as beads, glass beads, ribbons and stones, among others.
Experienced embroiderers find hand embroidery more relaxing than machine embroidery. However, it is a process that can become quite tedious and time consuming. Many projects can take months to complete. That is a long time. Beginning seamstresses may find this quite daunting as they have not yet developed the patience to make these beautiful works of art.

The necessary tools to embroider

Although it looks simple, hand embroidery requires a lot of tools. With that said, it goes without saying that a lack of proper equipment or the use of poor quality tools can often lead to unfavorable projects. To create good hand embroidery projects, seamstresses need good materials such as: hoops, threads, needles, sewing scissors, hoops, and floor stands. This embroidery technique can be a real challenge if you are working on large pieces of fabric, such as those used for curtains and sheets.
Although labor intensive, this method of embroidery offers more precise stitches and also offers a much greater degree of freedom than embroidery machines. In addition, the project also has a much more personal character.

machine embroidery

When they began to be manufactured, embroidery machines were used only by experienced seamstresses. However, with the passage of time and with technological advances and the increase in production and diversification, amateur and professional embroiderers also began to use machines in the development of their craft. Contrary to what happened with the first models of machines, today the devices are made to measure and for all types of budgets.
To meet the needs of beginning seamstresses, there are several types of sewing machines to choose from. These machines can already perform various types of embroidery projects. Some do free motion embroidery, others are machine sewing. There are also more advanced machines, programmed and controlled by computers; however, these are best suited for more experienced seamstresses. It is important to say that embroidery machines are usually equipped with a single needle. However, some models on the market are equipped with more needles, allowing projects to be completed much faster. There are also many machines equipped with features that allow you to make quilts.