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A History of Embroidery

Embroidery is as old as mankind. From the time man discovered spinning and weaving, embroidery is also created as a way to decorate clothing or make marks on clothes. The first remains of embroidery found in Asia, from the 5th to 3rd century BC. In Europe, the embroidery can in medieval enormously, especially as decoration for church and noble robes. During and after the Renaissance embroidery was becoming increasingly complex and more beautiful. Nobility and wealthy citizens wore ornate clothing. Also clothing was then already been sent to China, known for its very fine needle arts. In the 17th century, coating furniture with embroidery popular.

With the invention of the sewing machine in 1850, the hand embroidery quickly went downhill. Today, it is really only in the hobby atmosphere even embroidered by hand. Only for very special products, such as luxurious (and expensive!) Wall coverings, upholstery or authentic banners, is still used sporadically handiwork, which is usually performed in low-wage countries. In the Netherlands, this is virtually impossible to find, even that machine is more and more possible.

In the Middle Ages we find the oldest embroidered fabrics, especially vestments from Europe. The robes were embroidered with gold thread and provided very detailed and intricate motifs. During the Renaissance period hit embroidered clothing increasingly popular among the nobility. The embroidery was even a noble hobby. The noble men wore richly embroidered clothing.

Since China at that time was known for its beautiful embroidery, a lot of embroidery orders were also sent to the East. Unlike countries in Europe and North Africa, the Chinese took advantage of silk fabrics, making the embroidery was given a rich look. The double-sided embroidery was developed to perfection. Embroidery which has been manufactured in this way, could sometimes take years. Today, China in the world still known for the very fine embroidery.

The 17th and 18th centuries were important times for embroidery. Coating furniture with embroidery became very popular. Because trade was conducted with the Far East, Oriental motifs came to Europe, for example, exotic birds and flowers. The trade came also several materials available.

Over the centuries, developed countries have their own embroidery styles worldwide. In Slavic countries, for example, were embroidered dresses for weddings and festivals produced, which was used flat stitch designs. In Western Europe was embroidered in wool on linen usual, which among other things was used on bedspreads and wall hangings. English embroidery is also very special. Later this was expanded to include flat stitch patterns and cutting techniques.

Mid-19th century embroidery machine was invented, which had important implications for the embroidery industry and various crises caused around the world. But churches still remain an important client. In Spain, for example, are still cloaks embroidered in the old way for processional images of the Semana Santa.

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