Thursday 16 September 2021

 

Embroidering

In recent times and modern-day fashion, embroidery has become the go-to choice for designers, artists celebrities, and individuals who have a knack for beautiful things.  It seems just like yesterday when embroidery was just for the old and nothing more. Now beyond the regular wall arts and flower designs, embroidery has evolved to something amazing.

The question that brings to mind now is, what exactly is embroidery? In simple terms, embroidery is the technique of beautifying materials and fabrics with the aid of a needle attached to a thread or yarn.  Beyond the use of yarn and thread, other materials like beads, pearls, and quills can also be integrated into embroidery.

Most recently, embroidery is commonly seen on blankets, denim, caps, socks, and many more. There is a wide range of yarn and thread colours you can use to enjoy embroidery.

Different types of embroidery.

Making amazing designs with your hand can be satisfying, and nothing gives you that satisfaction more than embroidery. Embroidering is dynamic which makes it much more fun, there are different types of embroidery, yes they may have some similarities but they are not the same. Some of the different types of embroidery include:

Fish Scale Embroidery: This type of embroidery uses fish scales especially the goldfish, to make designs. Velvet is the usual recipient of this type of embroidery. Using this style, the fish scale is made ready and then holes are being made on them mostly at the base of the scales. When that is done, they can then be stitched to whatever fabric you like.

Patchwork Embroidery: This style entails, using small pieces of fabrics, these fabrics are well arranged at the base of a different other fabric.  Usually, they are creatively arranged. Hand or machine stitches can be employed in this type of embroidery. Mainly quilts are the recipient of this style as this method is employed to decorate them. 

White work Embroidery: Interestingly, as the name suggests, this style is usually used on white fabrics having white floss. It is also famed as the FLW (French Laid Work). This style typically embraces more than one or two other styles of embroidery e.g. the shadow work.

Shadow Work Embroidery: This type of embroidery is employed on transparent or semitransparent fabrics, it engages herringbone stitch. This makes the shadow work design stand out in a very clear manner on the fabric. Semi-sheer , sheer and lightweight fabrics like voile, organdie muslin etc. is the usual recipients of this style.

Candle wicking Embroidery: This style has been tagged as a substitute method for the white work style.  Commonly employed in this style is a heavy unbleached cotton being thread on unbleached muslin. It is regarded as a "traditional embroidery method" this is because this style typically employs an old technique called "colonial knot".

 

Embroidery can be fun and learning it shouldn't be difficult. Interestingly it doesn't require any burdensome time or money investment. If you are looking for a cost-effective hobby to pick up then this is just the right thing.

Unlike other hobbies that can be time-consuming and money demanding, embroidery offers a cost-effective and stress-free hobby. You don't need much to start. The more you practice the better you become.

You can try out all the styles and select one that suits you best.