Embroidery

Embroidery is a craft of decorative cloth or other material with a needle to apply thread. Embroidery can take the form of other materials such as beads, pearls, feathers and sequins. 

Today, embroidery is commonly seen on hats, caps, coats, blankets, dresses, jeans, gowns, socks and golf shirts. Embroidery is available with a variety of threads.

Some of the earliest basic or embroidery techniques were chain stitch, buttonhole or cover stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, cross stitch. This stitch is the main hand embroidery technique to this day. 

Origin

Process of adjusting, patching, repairing and strengthening fabrics encouraged the development of sewing techniques,and the possibility of decorative sewing led to the art of embroidery.

The art of embroidery is found all over the world and some of the earliest examples are found. Works in China date from the time of the warring nations (5th to 3rd century BC). 

On clothing from the migration period in Sweden (c. 300 to 700 AD), the band edges for trimming were reinforced using stitches, back stitches, seam with stitches, button sewing for buttonholes and stitching, but it is not sure whether the work these are just reinforced stitches or should be interpreted as decorative embroidery.

Ancient Greek mythology attributed the transmission of embroidery together with weaving with the goddess Athena, which led to a famous rivalry between her and mortal Arachne.

Materials Needed

Embroidery circle (Hoops) - These are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from those just a few inches in diameter to more than a foot.

Thread - The DMC brand is an industry standard (it's been around since 1746) and they have a large following. It's easy to see why - the strands are less than a dollar's worth and they have many colors available.

Scissor - The embroidery scissors are small (about the size of a palm) and sharp enough to cut thread.

Needle - Needles often come in packs of different sizes. Depending on the type of fabric you are sewing, some needles will work better than others.

Cloth - The possibilities for sewing seem endless. If you're looking for a place to start, try pure cotton fabrics. Make sure there is no stretch (as you can find with cotton blends) and that the fabric is not too loose.

Plastic rolls - This is a life-saving tool, especially if you have a lot of threads. Before you start sewing with thread, write down the color of one of these bobbins, then wrap it around the plastic. That way, if you run out of thread, you'll know what kind of strands to buy!

Thread organizer - Store yarn, jewelry, and other supplies in one of these handy bins.