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 Embroidery
Introduction
This
century has seen a revolution in the world of embroidery. Women have
pushed the boundaries of their craft out in all directions, experimenting
with new materials and methods and bringing their pieces new found
recognition as works of art.
Origins
Embroidery has been used to embellish textiles for centuries.
Embroidery has long been seen as a women's craft and it is women who have
pushed it beyond its traditional bounds into acceptance as a fine art. The
impetus for this new direction came mainly from art colleges in the
1960’s. Young women students became caught up in the interest in mixed
media – or trend for combining all sorts of unexpected materials in
paintings and sculpture. They incorporated embroidery into their artworks,
producing startling results: embroidery was even used with such unlikely
media as plaster.
Today's embroiderers continue to explore the rich
possibilities needle and thread offer to a creative mind, and the works
produced are a feast for the eyes. Many works incorporate paint and fabric
as well as different textures of thread. In addition to this embroidery is
a versatile art form – it can be used for traditional wall hangings,
framed panels or to embellish clothing, or it can be employed to make
three dimensional sculptural pieces, even jewellery.
 Basic
techniques
The key to successful creative embroidery is the design.
Inspiration for a design may gradually evolve or suddenly spring to mind.
Once th design has been worked out, the means of execution has to be
decided upon. This depends very much on the intention and style of the
individual. Some peoples work is instantly recognisable because they
habitually use the same materials or stitches. Others will experiment with
different backing fabrics, yarns and incorporate other media such as
paints or fabrics.
It may be necessary to work samples to see if the colours,
materials and stitches produce the desired effect before beginning.
Embroidery is a particular tactile medium and texture is
central to the construction of any piece. The desired effect is created by
a combination of stitch technique, threads, yarns and often the incorporation of fabric. The range of threads
and yarns available offer an Aladdin’s cave to the embroiderer from
lustrous silks and metallic threads to woollen yarns; there appear to be
no bounds to what can be used, what is not directly stitched can be
attached with couching stitches.
Many embroiderers have a wide vocabulary of stitches but use
only a few so that the work does not become too complex – over complex
stitching can detract from the overall composition.
Linear stitches such as satin, chain, back stitch and
straight stitch add movement to a piece and create strong defining lines.
French knots and bullion knots are particularly important for giving
texture. Other stitches such as buttonhole wheels and fly stitches add
pattern. A high standard of needlework is maintained, but often the
stitches are modified to produce the desired effect.
Machine stitching – Sewing machines capable of innumerable
embroidery stitches are a relatively new tool for embroiderers, offering
yet another range of possibilities. Some people do all their work by
machine while others incorporate it with hand stitching. Worked on water
soluble fabrics, machine embroidery produces lacy pieces of embroidery
which can be appliquéd on to a backing fabric or used in their own right
to make delicate jewellery.
Composition – No matter how carefully a project is planned,
it will inevitably evolve to a greater or lesser degree in the making.
Most people like to work using a frame to hold the fabric taut allowing
even stitching and giving easier access to the backing.
The density of stitching will depend on the piece. In a
landscape for example, parts in the foreground may be densely stitched in
great detail. The stitching becomes thinner in the background receding
perhaps into scattered stitches on a paint dominated horizon. A study of a
tree trunk on the other hand could be tightly covered in textured stitches
in a mixture of yarns evoking the knotty, gnarled nature of the natural
surface.
The composition is not necessarily worked on one piece.
Figures may be made separately and then stitched onto the backing fabric.
The embroidery on three dimensional figures is worked then fitted over an
armature.
It takes a knowing eye and experience to judge precisely when
to stop adding and pronounce a piece of work finished.
Courses
If you offer embroidery courses / evening classes /
demonstrations - please contact us
to advertise your details here.
There are lots of books available to learn the skills from
home.
To
learn proper embroidery techniques the best starting point is to contact
polytechnics / colleges to see if they have any organized courses.
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