Embroidery is an art that has been around for centuries. Here is a little insight into just how deep the roots of embroidery actually run.
The History
Embroidery is the artful use of needle and thread to decorate fabric and other materials. Historically, this was done by hand. If a freehander is particularly talented, she could add in beads, feathers and sequins to an already intricate process.
Since embroidery is done with stitches, it can be said that the art has prehistoric roots. Cave men would use thread made of plant fibers and animal parts to stitch together hides for protective clothing. Eventually, they learned they could decorate their clothes with the same stitches.
Embroidery is believed to have become an art in the Iron Age, but it is said that the Chinese may have been busy embroidering things since 3500 BCE. Archeologists have found embroidered pieces of clothing dating back throughout China’s history.
Outside of china, artifacts have been found dating back almost 3,000 years showing people from all around the world wearing the embroidered garb of their native countries. Even religious relics and household artifacts have been found.
Embroidery was also used to record events. You can see the proof of this in the Bayeux Tapestry that documented the Norman invasion of England in 1066.
