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The History Embroidery’s Art

Embroidery as a design, ornament and decoration created on fabric with a needle and thread, originated in ancient times. The first references to the world of embroidery are very dated, we refer to Egyptian civilization. The Egyptians, in fact, among other wonderful things they were able to do, used a truly innovative technique to join vegetable skins and threads.

The results were astounding: in fact, we can still admire through the hieroglyphs, the tunics made by the ancient populations and the artifacts created later also by the Byzantines, which have remained unchanged over time.

HOW INTEREST IN EMBROIDERY BORN IN ITALY?

In Italy, the art of embroidery has really interesting origins: in fact, we owe the first school of embroiderers to the Saracen culture. The school was founded in Palermo in the 11th century.

It was of such interest that it spread throughout Europe. We can remember its importance also through artifacts and objects that have been passed down to us over time.

Examples of considerable works that occupied the homes of wealthy families of the time, such as all tapestries, but also in churches, ecclesiastical vestments.

In Milan, a city already in turmoil; many Venetian and even Florentine artists are called upon to work on embroidery.

The taste continued to be the Arabic taste of the previous centuries, but the Italians distinguished themselves and this is how some of the most classic embroidery decorations were born such as: the lace to be inserted into the fabric and the net. Embroidery was considered selective, important, expensive and embroidery schools turned out to be very expensive and few could afford it.

But concretely, let’s see what can be considered as embroidery and what it consists of: in order to have an in-depth overview of our interest.

WHAT IS EMBROIDERY?

An embroidery is a decoration, an ornament, a unique piece made by hand or by machine and created with needle and thread on a fabric. There are different manufacturing methods and embroidery which previously could only be done by hand, now it can also be done with specialized machines. Manual techniques can actually be revisited with machines. And therefore, industrial embroiderers make garments with advanced machines using modern technologies, which saves a lot of time on completion.

The techniques possible with the machines are however the same as those found in manual work, it is therefore possible to achieve: cording, taping, bond-in, laser cutting, chain, various stitches.

The most substantial difference is that the stitches made with hand embroidery are made by an expert or tailoring expert and are the result of many hours of work to create unique, rare pieces. While with the machines, all the embroideries are reproduced identically and therefore use the same stitch sequence, we will have the garment we have requested.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MANUAL EMBROIDERY AND INDUSTRIAL EMBROIDERY?

Before answering the question, it should be noted that for many centuries embroidery was done by hand. And having direct evidence and findings, we can benefit from the sight and wonder of the objects, artifacts, tapestries obtained with these techniques.

Subsequently, from the 19th century: embroidery was carried out through the use of sewing machines. Today, embroidery techniques, have accelerated and from the sole use of the sewing machine, we have moved on to industrial embroidery thanks to sophisticated automated and electronic machines.

In the field of fashion, especially French and Italian, artisanal embroidery is always in the spotlight: we are obviously talking about manual embroidery. In fact, just think of Vionnet, Dior, Schiaparelli, Poiret who continue to use embroidery techniques originating in the French courts of the 17th century.

But returning to the industrial sector, we can deepen the question by saying that electronic and automated machines perfectly imitate human hands. Exceptional embroidery is found even on large garments. Among the machines we have those that work horizontally and others that work vertically. Forza Giovane’s technology truly produces the embroidery you want, even on difficult fabrics and bases.

Despite today’s technology, there has been much controversy over the years, especially in high fashion over the use of machines. In fact, we can now speak of techniques so avant-garde and qualitatively high, that it becomes difficult to see the differences with the naked eye.

In other words, it is almost imperceptible to evaluate the difference between an embroidery made by hand and that obtained with an industrial machine.

The differences are undoubtedly to be recognized in the values ​​of craftsmanship, in the art of making and in the technique transmitted. The value of a garment produced and designed by hand is not comparable to any garment made with industrial machinery.

LET’S LIST THE DIFFERENCES TO ANSWER OUR QUESTION:

Labor: well, we can consider this difference as very important. Since all handmade garments obviously require labor, a person who will devote their dedication, passion, study of the pattern and hours of work and ability to make the garment;

The history of Italian craftsmanship: Italian craftsmanship has great value, for many years it was the engine of the state. The birth of small and medium-sized enterprises gave rise to great innovations, making Italy famous all over the world. The substantial difference is that although the embroidery stitches may be the same, those made with industrial machines lack the symbolism reminiscent of craftsmanship;

Intergenerational transmission of manufacturing know-how, or rather ancient knowledge that is transmitted. Embroidery is transmitted, studied, welcomed and created, there are stories that have made it important, families and generations that have worn it.

The work is the whole of it all, it is the story that is transmitted unlike the machinery which, although innovative and superior, tells a mechanical evolution.

IN CONCLUSION

We can say conclusively that embroidery is a virtuosity, an art performed by laborious hands capable of creating it with dedication and reinterpreting the tastes of the time. Embroidery is history, tradition, manufacturing details for the satisfaction of those who make it and the wonder of the end consumer. The embroidery speaks of Europe, Italy and people’s lives.

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