Women have been fond of embroidery for centuries. Previously, it was one of the few ways to decorate a home and clothing, but now the ancient craft has grown into a favorite hobby of skilled needlewomen. The history of this interesting activity goes back to ancient times.
Emergence
It has not yet been possible to find out the exact time of the embroidery. However, it is known that the first steps towards this were made with the beginning of the comprehension of the sewing process. At first, this was done with the help of a coal needle, hair, wool and veins. They were used to sew the skins of killed animals. Then people learned how to make yarn, then weave. After that, there was a need to decorate clothes and bedding.
The first embroideries were found in China, they were made around the 5th century BC. The Chinese products were distinguished by their sophistication and accuracy of stitches. Embroideries were carried out on silk fabric, with fine threads and using gold and jewelry. The handicraft skills of the Celestial Empire had a great influence on the creative skills of Russian, Japanese and European craftswomen. In the same era, the first beads appeared, followed by embroidery with its use.
Embroidery in Russia
In Russia, when the population worshiped pagan gods, the symbols of faith of each settlement were embroidered on canvases and bedspreads. Then it became a tradition. Girls were taught from childhood to handicraft and needlework. Before her marriage, she had to embroider her dowry, which included clothing, bedding, curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads. Traditionally, embroidery was done on linen or canvas. Only priests, monks and courtiers had the opportunity to use more expensive and beautiful materials.
Embroidered canvases were used to decorate churches, royal chambers and clothing. Silk, velvet and satin were used to create the pattern. The threads could be gold, twisted, or silk. In addition, the items were decorated with beads, gold, pearls and precious stones. Of course, members of the royal family had the richest canvases and drawings.
With the adoption of Christianity, embroidery motifs became more diverse. They were carried out mainly with red threads. Each province has its own, typical only for one area or another, drawings. Almost every ornament had its own symbolic meaning. The most popular were cross stitch and satin stitch.
Making paintings in the Richelieu style began in the 17th century in Europe. Ribbons were embroidered in France in the second half of the 18th century. Rumor has it that this was the favorite hobby of the royal family. In the same place, in the 19th century, the first needlework machine appeared.
Now embroidery is no longer a necessity. Few people decorate clothes or interiors by hand. Embroidered paintings are more popular. And also this type of needlework has ceased to be only a female prerogative. Now men are also fond of embroidery, finding the occupation very interesting and time-consuming.
