In medieval England, Opus Anglicanum, a technique used by professional workshops and guilds in medieval England, was used to embellish textiles used in church rituals. Examples of high status items include elaborately embroidered clothing, religious objects, and household items often were seen as a mark of wealth and status. This flexibility led to a variety of works, from the royal to the mundane. Historical applications and techniques A pair of Chinese shoes for bound 'lily' feet Embroidered book cover made by Elizabeth I at the age of 11, presented to Katherine Parr 19th century women's thobe from Palestineĭepending on time, location and materials available, embroidery could be the domain of a few experts or a widespread, popular technique. In a garment from Migration period Sweden, roughly 300–700 AD, the edges of bands of trimming are reinforced with running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, tailor's buttonhole stitch, and Whip stitch, but it is uncertain whether this work simply reinforced the seams or should be interpreted as decorative embroidery. Works in China have been dated to the Warring States period (5th–3rd century BC). The art of embroidery has been found worldwide and several early examples have been found. On the other hand, we often find in early works a technical accomplishment and high standard of craftsmanship rarely attained in later times. there are no changes of materials or techniques which can be felt or interpreted as advances from a primitive to a later, more refined stage. It is a striking fact that in the development of embroidery. Indeed, the remarkable stability of basic embroidery stitches has been noted:

The process used to tailor, patch, mend and reinforce cloth fostered the development of sewing techniques, and the decorative possibilities of sewing led to the art of embroidery. 4th century BC, Zhou tomb at Mashan, Hubei, China. Rows of even, round chain stitch used for outline and color. History Detail of embroidered silk gauze ritual garment. Those stitches remain the fundamental techniques of hand embroidery today. Some of the basic techniques or stitches of the earliest embroidery are chain stitch, buttonhole or blanket stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, and cross stitch. It is often used to personalize gifts or clothing items. Embroidery is available in a wide variety of thread or yarn colour. In modern days, embroidery is usually seen on caps, hats, coats, overlays, blankets, dress shirts, denim, dresses, stockings, scarfs, and golf shirts. Embroidery may also incorporate other materials such as pearls, beads, quills, and sequins.

The Bayeux Tapestry, 11th centuryĮmbroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.

Embroidery sampler by Alice Maywood, 1826 Laid threads, a surface technique in wool on linen. For Bradbury's short story, see Embroidery (short story).

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