Floral Embroideries

March 25, 2022

Colorful embroidered butterflies and flowers on blue fabric.
Detail of a woven-in, embroidered Mexican huipil.

Throughout history, embroidery has served a variety of purposes. Techniques and designs vary in all parts of the world, reflecting local cultural and craft traditions, the sharing of knowledge, and immense creativity. This intricate work requires a thoughtful attention to detail, as the stitcher carefully guides the embroidery threads through warp and weft to add new dimension to the cloth. From everyday clothing to table linens to ritual cloths, embroidery has appeared on all sorts of objects, imbuing meaning and adding visual delight. Techniques and repeating motifs are passed through generations, reminding us of the incredible potential for connection through craft.

Historically, color use and design have varied, chosen to suit local tastes and conventions. Floral motifs are among the most popular, found in embroidery examples from all parts of the globe. In part, they are especially useful for their versatility as they are adaptable for a wide range of colors and compositions. At times they are rendered literally with colors and shapes chosen to best approximate the plant. Other times, the plants are abstracted, depicted in wonderful and fantastical colors and shapes.

Child’s vest made of various blue and purple dyed silk fabrics and a standing collar. Flora and fauna imagery in embroidery work at center front of shirt. Two appliquéd lions at the front. Chinese, date unknown.
Detail of embroidery the on the sleeveless shirt.
The back of the sleeveless shirt.
Detail of the back.
Miniature pocket with floral-patterned crewelwork embroidery. Circa 1810.

Looking through the collection of embroidered objects at Tatter Blue Library, the vast range in design and purpose is clear. We are touched by the beautiful blooms stitched into cloth, tenderly reminding us of the care and attention required to perform such a task. 

The stitched flowers curve and bloom with the shapes of the cloth objects. Leaves and vines unfurl to create dazzling embellishment. Smooth and soft, they echo the petals and leaves they are modeled after. The raised stitches make the flowers tangible again. Through stitching, the ephemeral blooms are preserved to be carried and held close all year.

The embroidered flowers subtly reveal details about the stitcher, their location, and their moment in history. The flowers present a sort of language, with symbolism and meaning attached to their presence — be it protective, commemorate or wholly aesthetic. They show love, care, and celebrate the wonder of the world in bloom.

Sari trim with blue satin woven ground. Elements of embroidery and cutwork create a variety of floral and leafy designs with blue and green embroidery threads and negative space.
Detail of sari trim.
Detail of sari trim.

Make your own floral embroidery with our newest tie-on pocket kit, designed by TATTER in collaboration with Karen Steven’s original pattern!

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EXPLORE MORE FLORAL OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION AT TATTER BLUE LIBRARY

A painted porcelain thimble.
Vest stitched and quilted by hand. Outside fabric features white floral imagery against blue background. Lining consists of two different patterned fabrics. The square, plunging neckline is trimmed with solid blue fabric. Eight blue and gold buttons sewn on front, with no clasps or snaps present. Date: likely early 19th century.
Bundle of millinery flowers. Light blue poppies constructed from layers of silk organdy with paper-wrapped wire stems. Date: 20th century.

Bibliography:

Allianora. Flower Embroidery. Scribner, 1975. 

Burr, Trish. The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers. Search Press, 2020. 

Floral Embroidery. Ondori, 1975.