Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn. In this way, it has been practiced for decades.

The origin of embroidery can be dated back to Cro-Magnon days or 30,000 BC. During a recent archaeological find, fossilized remains of heavily hand-stitched and decorated clothing, boots, and a hat were found.

Vietnamese embroidery has a history of more than 700 years. As time passed, embroidery came and went in popularity, but it still connected closely to and reflected the cultural values and beliefs, of the Vietnamese people.

Hand embroidery in bedding set

In Van Lam - the traditional embroidery village in Ninh Binh, Vietnam- Embroidery is an ancient craft that has been passed down through many generations and it is common to see both young and old ladies with a needle and thread in hand. If one of the ladies has a particular talent she will teach all the other ladies, it is a matter of commitment and pride in their heritage to ensure that the art is passed on.

The old lady teaching the young one how to make embroidery

Embroidery designs may be stamped or drawn first on the material, or they can be done freehand. Embroidery uses embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, which has a slightly larger eye but is still sharp (normally is needle number 8-11). Some basic stitches that embroider should know are outline, stem, satin, lazy daisy, cross, and French knot.

Sequins embroidery for bags

A beginner in hand embroidery should start with a small and easy design that uses mostly outline, cross, and lazy daisy stitches. These are the easiest stitches to master. The item may use satin stitch, but it should only be in small areas. Veteran embroiderers may want to tackle a project that is made mostly from satin stitch, but this is strictly for those who have mastered it. Satin stitch is simple enough in theory, but making it look smooth and shiny, with no gaps or uneven stitches, takes a while to master.

Needlepoint thread for belts and keyfobs

By combining traditional embroidery techniques with creativity and the aesthetic eye of the embroiderers, the works include exquisitely harmonious colors and subtle textures to each line. However, the road to mastering the craft of embroidery wasn’t as smooth as silk. To be able to embroider such meticulous and soulful patterns, the artisan has had to practice for years

Nowadays, apart from home interior decoration items such as bedding, tablecloths, curtains, napkins, doilies ... hand embroidery is also widely used in the fashion field like backpacks, wallets, bags, clothes, Baby bibs, masks, and belts, etc.

Sequins tote bag

Needlepoint hats

Embroidery anti-bacterial masks

With the remarkable technological development today, embroidery machines have become very sophisticated but they still can not replace the meticulous imperial embroidery made by hand. Hand embroidery is a beautiful art that almost anyone can learn. It is an art that should be preserved and well worth learning.

Nguyen Hoang is the top company manufacturing and exporting embroidery garments - handicrafts in Vietnam with more than 20 years of experience and continuing its mission to preserve the national cultural identity, promote traditional craft through high-quality handicrafts products.

To learn more about beautiful Vietnamese hand embroidery as well as handicraft combined with modern design styles and color schemes, you can visit Nguyen Hoang company’s website and contact for further information at https://nguyenhoang.co