Technique: Cross-stitch involves making X-shaped stitches to form a pattern or design on even-weave fabric like Aida cloth.
Characteristics: It is known for its geometric patterns, often used in traditional European and Middle Eastern embroidery.
Crewel Embroidery:
Technique: Crewel embroidery uses wool threads on a plain weave fabric like linen or cotton.
Characteristics: It features bold and intricate designs, often floral motifs, stitched with a variety of stitches including chain stitch and satin stitch.
Blackwork Embroidery:
Technique: Blackwork embroidery is characterized by its use of black thread on white or neutral fabric, typically using counted thread techniques.
Characteristics: It creates geometric or floral designs with a striking contrast between the thread color and fabric background.
Bead Embroidery:
Technique: Bead embroidery involves stitching beads onto fabric, often in intricate patterns or as embellishments to enhance other embroidery techniques.
Characteristics: It adds texture, shine, and dimension to the fabric, commonly used in haute couture and ceremonial garments.
Goldwork Embroidery:
Technique: Goldwork embroidery uses metallic threads, such as gold or silver, typically couched onto the fabric with silk threads or stitched directly into the fabric.
Characteristics: It creates luxurious and elaborate designs, historically used in ecclesiastical garments and ceremonial attire.
Crewel Work:
Technique: Similar to crewel embroidery but historically associated with the Jacobean period, featuring bold, stylized flora and fauna designs.
Characteristics: Uses wool threads on linen or cotton fabric, often combined with chain stitch and satin stitch for shading and texture.
Chikan Embroidery:
Origin: Originated in Lucknow, India.
Technique: Chikan embroidery uses white thread on sheer fabrics like muslin or chiffon, creating delicate floral patterns.
Characteristics: It often incorporates shadow work and satin stitch, creating a subtle, elegant design suitable for traditional Indian garments.
Sashiko Embroidery:
Origin: Japan.
Technique: Sashiko embroidery uses a running stitch with white thread on indigo-dyed fabric (often cotton), traditionally used for decorative reinforcement and quilting.
Characteristics: It creates geometric patterns like waves, interlocking circles, or floral motifs, emphasizing simplicity and functional beauty.
Kantha Embroidery:
Origin: Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent.
Technique: Kantha embroidery uses running stitches in different patterns and motifs, typically on old saris or cloth scraps layered together and stitched to create quilts or blankets.
Characteristics: It is known for its improvisational designs and storytelling motifs, often depicting everyday scenes, animals, or mythological themes.