What is embroidery?

Embroidery is a word from German and literally means to join, but the word is commonly known as a method of decorating fabrics, which simply involves embroidering patterns onto materials. What is the difference between traditional and computer embroidery and what are the types of embroidery?

Clothing decoration is almost as old as civilizations. Decorating clothes was popular in ancient times, although each tribe and region used its own unique methods for this. In Europe, embroidery was established as an artistic craft in the 11th century, which involved creating simple patterns on both clothes and canvas. In the 18th century, hand embroidery began to be slowly replaced by machines, which significantly sped up the creation of decorations.

Types of traditional embroidery

Embroidery can be divided into several categories - light, which is made with linen threads on canvas, and heavy, which decorate thick materials. The basic principle of embroidery is to create a decorative pattern that will stand out on the fabric.

Traditional, hand embroidery can be divided into four categories:

• flat embroidery;
• convex embroidery;
• applied embroidery;
• openwork embroidery.

Nowadays, more and more decorations on clothes are made using the machine method, which allows for the creation of slightly more precise patterns in a relatively short time. Such embroidery is called computer embroidery.

Computer embroidery - everything you need to know about it

Computer embroidery is currently the most popular method of decorating clothing or textiles. It is nothing more than embroidery with threads using an embroidery machine, which is controlled by a computer.

Such a machine is characterized primarily by high speed and the ability to embroider several colors of threads at the same time. This is what makes it possible to make much more embroideries in a shorter time.

What is computer embroidery used for?

Computer embroidery is considered one of the most durable types of embroidery, and at the same time it is an extremely cost-effective form of marking both clothes and textiles. Machine embroidery is resistant to detergents, washing at high temperatures, and ironing, which makes this type of embroidery popular in the hotel industry, for example, for personalizing towels or bathrobes.

Computer embroidery also uses various types of threads, thanks to which the effect can be matched both to the visual identification of the company and to create a unique work of art. This makes it also valued in the production of advertising materials, but also in the creation of clothes, giving them a unique look.

Can computer embroidery be made on any material?

The high durability of embroidery and its wide application mean that computer embroidery can be used on virtually any material. However, the question remains - is it worth it? Some materials, such as nylon, may lose their unique properties after embroidery. In such cases, it is better to make a special patch that can be placed in the selected place using the iron-on method.

Computer embroidery is definitely the best for decorating textiles - tablecloths, pillowcases, curtains or bed linen. embroidery on towels and bathrobes is also popular, because it is exceptionally durable and resistant to frequent washing.