Embroidery. Is it giving grandma or giving fashion? Either opinion is valid, but embroidery has been around for centuries and has shown its face in many different settings. But through all the eras, one thing remains: embroidery brings individuality to your clothes, whether you buy something already embroidered or learn to do it yourself.
People began using embroidery to decorate their clothing in 3000 BC and have yet to stop. In the early years of this tradition, it was used to symbolize power, status and wealth to have something so intricately personalized. As time went on, it became more common for women to learn embroidery as a skill. But in today’s world, embroidery is used by many as a relaxing hobby and a way to easily and affordably spruce up an outfit.
Embroidery was common in the early 2010’s, with embroidered jean back pockets and Converse. Since then, it has evolved, whether a major component of a clothing item or a minor detail.
Junior industrial engineering major, John Ham, provides insight into how embroidery changes the fabric (literally) of how someone presents themselves.
“Embroidery adds a sense of personality to a garment. Most garments are mass manufactured and there is no sense of individuality in each piece,” said Ham.
Stores like Zara and Urban Outfitters have recently released many tops with embroidered elements, most commonly with flowers, leaves or pretty much anything to do with nature. Beaded embroidery is another embellishment to give a more 70’s boho chic look. These pop up at a higher price range, like in stores Free People or Johnny Was. Paired with your favorite pair of low-rise jeans and a beaded top is the picture perfect look for a music festival (in real life, or just in your head phones).
Ham says that embroidery can help people express themselves beyond their appearance and can be viewed as a window to self expression.
“Embroidery sets garments apart from the rest and creates a story that goes beyond its physical appearance,” said Ham. “It affects personal style because the artist can truly embrace their artistic side.”
Houses like Gucci morph grandma and high fashion through embroidery. For example the Gucci Floral Ruffle Cardigan or the Embroidered bouclé mini dress, these designs take embroidery to the next level in a classic way, including a big bulky shimmer or a minimalistic logo on a timeless A-line. Other houses like Prada take embroidery into the future, incorporating hardware elements that make you question, is this jewelry or a shirt? The Embroidered Ribbed Knit Jersey Top by Prada does exactly that.
Not far from the University of Miami is a haven for embroidered denim. Some Levi’s locations, like the one in Dadeland Mall, have a tailor shop where you can buy a new garment or bring an old one and they will repair and embroider anything your heart desires on a piece. This is a great way to fully personalize your clothes if you don’t have an artistic hand, and you can determine the price depending on the size and time it takes.
Not looking to break your bank looking for embroidered pieces to spice up your closet? Don’t worry — there are endless affordable brands and thrift finds available to you.
Sophomore marketing & business technology, Gates Fox, shared her experience with seeing embroidery resurfacing.
“[I see] a lot of it in the baby tee trend and also in the trucker hat trend,” said Fox. “Also in the luxury and more designer items there has been a lot more beading, but also more appreciation for the time embroidery takes which has been really cool to see.”
Fox also shared her experience embroidering a lot of her own clothes as well, and says it adds much more individuality to her clothes.
“I have embroidered a few items. I’ve done a backpack and a pair of shorts and both I really liked to add something personal to the items,” said Fox. “I like it more knowing I put some effort into it and made it my own unique piece.”
Learning to embroider is not only a hobby — it gives the opportunity to add a personal touch and is a great way to unwind after a long day.
Embroidery 101
To start, you are going to need a needle and thread. A hoop helps too, to properly frame your garment and give you more freedom with what you can embroider, but it’s not necessary. For beginners, take it slow and start with the basics. Try just doing a line or a star, then work your way up in difficulty.
- Running Stitch: Insert needle into the back of the cloth, anchor it with a knot and stitch from left to right. To know that you have done it properly, check for spaces in between the segments of thread.
- Back Stitch: Insert needle into the back of the cloth, anchor it with a knot, and stitch from right to left with each stitch, closing the gap in between each one. This way, there should be no gaps in thread and it will look like one solid line. This is great for words or flower stems.
- Satin Stitch: This stitch is commonly used to enclose a large area with one color. The easiest way to do this is to draw with a pencil the outline of what you want to fill in, and begin stitching from side to side to fill in the space like a coloring book.
- French Knot: Of all the stitches here, this is the most challenging, but it is great if you want to make polka dots or the center of a flower. To successfully tie this knot, insert the needle in and out of the fabric, so the needle is partially embedded in the fabric. Then take the thread and wrap it around the pointed part of the needle four or five times. Finish taking out the needle and insert again in fabric to anchor the knot.
words_victoria fondeur. photo_valeria barbaglio. design_charlotte deangelis.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2024 print issue.
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