Embroidery Designs

What are Embroidery Designs?

Embroidery designs are just that -- designs created by either hand or machine embroidering. They are created by various embroidery patterns and come in four basic styles:

• Logos
• Art
• Drawings
• Monograms

Embroidery designs are used to embellish garments, fine linens, and other items. Today's designs can be done quickly when using an embroidery machine. The detail is beautiful, but there is some debate whether it is as intricate as hand-embroidering.

History of Embroidery

To understand how embroidery designs have transformed throughout the years, one must understand their roots. This craft dates back to about the 11th century when historians say Hebrews, Phoenicians, and Babylonians embroidered their robes. The Moors also decorated their clothing with embroidery -- a style that was an influence in many European countries. The oldest embroidery design in existence dates back to the Middle Ages when the craft was used in ecclesiastical vestments and other clothing. It was a sign of great wealth and merchants paid a lot of money for embroidered items.

The first commercial hand-embroidery factory opened around 1850 in New York and employed 15 women who stitched all the designs by hand. Machine embroidery was invented in the same era. Computerized embroidery machines were invented in the mid to late 20th century.

Vintage Designs

Because much of the embroidering done by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers was created from memory, it is almost impossible to duplicate the fine work. However, there are several Internet sites and books that have replicated antique embroidering from previous generations. For example:

• Pattern Bee: This wonderfully organized site takes you on a "sentimental journey" back to times when hand-embroidered items were a mainstay in the American home. These iron-on transfers will create a variety of vintage designs for kitchen towels, redwork, nursery items, and household linens.
• antique emb.htm Antique Embroidery: This softcover book by Martha Pullen offers 75 different embroidery designs replicated from the early 1900s. Styles include alphabet, silk ribbon, and heirloom embroidery.
• Vogart Vintage Embroidery Transfers: This Web site is a reference point for those interested in Vogart embroidery transfers, which were produced between 1940 to 1960 in the United States.

Modern Designs

From the simplest monogram to the most complex color shading and stitching, computerized or machine embroidery can help you create the look you want. Some online sources to help you choose a modern embroidery design are:

• Criswell Embroidery and Design: This Web site has beautiful embroidered lace designs including unique oval bowls, angels, and doilies.
• Embroidery Designs on Felt: This Web site offers an easy solution to creating what could be a difficult project -- embroidering on felt. The site also has kits available to teach you this craft.
• Embroidery Designs by Carolyn: This web site offers some of the cutest patterns available. Some are simple, while others are more difficult. Choose from holiday, heirloom, and floral designs.

• aHey-Embroidery Machine Embroidery Designs: This site offers machine embroidery designs and cross-stitch patterns for home and commercial use. All designs available in most popular embroidery machine formats. The site also offers freebies available for free download.