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People In This Community Don’t Believe Embroidery Is Remotely Boring, Here Are Their 50 Best Works (New Pics)
We humans have the unique ability to take something ordinary and add a little extra to it. While this interest of ours has culminated in a myriad of decorative art forms, embroidery is one of those that we've invested most of our time and effort in.
You're already familiar with it even if the name sounds foreign. In simple terms, embroidery is the process of applying decorative designs onto fabric using a needle—these motifs are traditionally rendered in thread and are composed of different kinds of stitches.
Embroidery has existed, in some form, in virtually every population. Whether they've displayed it on clothing, home goods, or as an artwork, this is a timeless craft that has become an integral part of our material world. And the subreddit r/Embroidery has the pics to prove it.
This online community has 628K members, constantly showing off their best works, and many are so good, we think they deserve your attention as well. Continue scrolling to check out some of their latest projects and fire up our earlier publications on the subreddit here and here for more.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Couple Thousand French Knots & Endless Hours Later, I Finished This 22" Star Chart! Really Pleased With How It Came Out
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
oh my. that is one of the most amazing things I've seen. please post link to your Etsy page so I can buy this or something like this
susan hooper 2 years ago
You are tremendousy talented. I've never seen such beautiful work before. Fantastic!
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#2
Finished My Most Ambitious Project To This Day. I Present To You My True To Size 3D Atlas Moth
The oldest surviving embroideries are Scythian, dating back to between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. However, other civilizations also have long traditions of the craft. Roughly from 330 CE until the 15th century, for example, Byzantium produced embroideries lavishly ornamented with gold.
And while ancient Chinese embroideries have been excavated dating from the T'ang dynasty (618–907 CE), the most famous examples from that region are the imperial silk robes of the Ch'ing dynasty (1644–1911/12).
In India embroidery was also an ancient craft, but it is from the Mughal period (from 1556) that numerous pieces have survived, many finding their way to Europe from the 17th to the 18th century through the East India trade.
#3
Lotus Pickers Done With French Knot Stitching. Took A Lot Of Time. What Do You Think?
#4
Silly Rabbit
#5
Someone Recently Called Me Bob Floss
Dave Rita Brenholt 3 years ago
Incredible! The depth you created with choice of colors and stitch length makes me want to reach out and touch it. Well done. BRAVO!
From the 16th century, Turkey produced elaborate embroideries in gold and colored silks with an impressive repertoire of stylized forms such as pomegranates, the tulip motif eventually predominating.
The Greek islands in the 18th and 19th centuries produced many geometric embroidery patterns, which differed from island to island, with those of the Ionian islands and Scyros showing Turkish influence.
#6
First Project Ever
Peej Maybe 3 years ago
I'm upvoting this because I really fancy trying my hand at embroidery and know that my first piece isn't going to look as good / cute as this, so well done you!
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
I love seeing people's first attempts at a new art. This is incredibly sweet. Sometimes are first projects are the ones that we cherish must of all as they allow us to see how far we came.
#7
Made By Nikki Mcmullen
Kim Kermes 3 years ago
You can! Honest! A little book on the basics, a couple of needles, scissors, thread, maybe tweezers. You can do a lot with only straight stitches.
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NicNor5560 3 years ago
When I was a teenager (in the 1980's), we used to do that on our jeans when we had holes. Pretty.
#8
Gift To Myself For My 28th Birthday (Self-Portrait)
#9
Bird On A Wire
RafCo (he/him) 3 years ago
gorgeous! what amazing talent and grit. It would take me hours to create a painting this detailed, I can't imagine what it would take with string
Ang Chiyoko/Koharu 2 years ago
two birds on a wire, one tries to fly away and the other, watches him close from that wire
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Nancy Sturges 3 years ago
Is the barbed wire real? If not that is absaloutley amazing either way!!
The 10th-century stole of St. Cuthbert, embroidered in gold thread and preserved in Durham Cathedral, is the earliest surviving work of English embroidery.
The Crusades transmitted motifs of Saracenic art (such as pairs of confronting stylized animals), further reinforcing Byzantine influence in Europe and initiating heraldic embroidery.
#10
All Finished! Forgot To Post It Earlier But It Took Me A Week To Finish. I Think It Looks Nice For Spring
#11
Ukrainian Embroidery All By My Grandmother
NicNor5560 3 years ago
My husband just came back from Ukraine helping with the civilians get to safety and bought me a blouse made out of embroidery all over the sleeves and neck. It looks so much better than what he had shown me on Zoom! Beautiful work; will cherish.
#12
A Larger Bird’s Eye View Embroidery With French Knots & Satin Stitch. What Do You Think?
#13
A New One
In 1561 Elizabeth I granted a charter of incorporation to the Broderer's Company. It was a further step in the development of secular embroidery, already apparent in Henry VIII's reign.
Sixteenth-century English and French embroidery, in fact, were closely related, both tending to adapt engraved designs for their needlework patterns.
#14
Llama Kuzco Is Finished! I’m So Thrilled With How This Turned Out!
#15
Newest 3” Hoop
Whippet With A Cheeseburger 3 years ago
This is incredible. You can practically feel the gusts of wind, hear the rustling of the grass.
#16
Loving How This Fishnet Piece Came Out !
Wandaluzt 3 years ago
Go ask them on Reddit Mike. It was posted 5 months ago there and copy and pasted here.
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#17
This Is The Proudest I’ve Felt In A Long Time
At the time, embroidery was becoming an amateur craft rather than a profession, a change that was even more visible in the 17th century.
The fashion for crewel work, or worsted (wool) embroidery, dates largely from the 17th century, as does needlepoint, or canvas work. Samplers, used to record stitches and designs, became mainly decorative after the appearance of pattern books.
#18
Anybody Like Red Pandas? How About Fuchsia Ones?
#19
Made A Little Hobbit Hole For My Sister In Law For Christmas!
#20
My Most Ambitious Embroidery Project Yet!
Pam Ballestero 3 years ago
Holy c**p! That would have take me years! Ok, who am I kidding, I would have probably got 3/4 finished then put it in a bag and found it 10 years later. Then it would have gone back into the bag and closet. 😂
Artemis302 3 years ago
Well done, you! This is gorgeous! I embroidered a denim jacket for my oldest brother many years ago, took my fingertips weeks to recover
#21
My Non Embroidering Boyfriend Got A Kit And Made Me This Cross Stitch Pendant And It Really Blew Me Away. Happy Valentines Day
Embroidery in 17th- and 18th-century North America also reflected European skills and conventions, however, the designs were often simpler and the stitches were often modified to save thread; samplers, embroidered pictures, and mourning pictures were the most popular.
In the early 19th century almost all other forms of embroidery in England and North America were superseded by a type of needlepoint known as Berlin woolwork.
#22
“Knit 1 Purl 2. Knit 1 Purl 2. That’s Right!”
#23
First Design Of My Own With Embroidery. It’s Imperfect, But It’s My Favorite Piece Of Art I Now Own
#24
Hand Embroidered Self Portrait
Coming back to the subreddit, its moderators say that you don't need much to get started. The most basic supplies for hand embroidery are a hoop, a needle, fabric, and some 6-stranded embroidery floss. That's really it. Of course, you do need scissors to snip your thread and a way to transfer the design to your fabric but these are the things needed to actually stitch and likely the only items you don't already have in your home.
#25
I Finally Finished This Piece
#26
Realism First Attempt!
#27
My First Embroidery Of 2022!
#28
My Wild Thing Denim Vest Is Finally Done(?)
A very good way to start from the absolute beginning is to order an embroidery kit. Most will have thread, a needle, a hoop, and a design already worked onto the fabric provided. "No analysis paralysis as you stare at the 60+ shades of red, wondering which one might be the best," the mods said. "Kits also have the benefit of explaining what stitches you should be using in what section ... Once you complete your kit you then have a hoop and needle to use for other projects as well."
If you do decide to give embroidery a go, the subreddit has pretty much all the information a newbie might need.
#29
Full-Length Hand Embroidery Of A Cat Is Ready
Pam Ballestero 3 years ago
This kitty is incredible! I agree with @ Linda van A. Looks so real!
Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they) 3 years ago
Oh my g o d. This is incredible. I very much thought at first I was just looking at a picture of a cat
Teresa Venters 2 years ago
Foreshortening isn't easy to figure out, but you did a fabulous job on it!
#30
Progress Pic: Landscape Thread Painting. This Is Taking Forever!
Whippet With A Cheeseburger 3 years ago
You, my friend, have the patience of a god. I would have screamed and thrown this across the room after fifteen minutes of embroidering.
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Absolutely stunning! The sky is magnificent. It will be be a true work of art when completed.
Christi Williams 3 years ago
Please post on Pinterest and update as you go so we can see your progress. I am dying to see this finished! Beautiful.
#31
Willow Tree In Summer
VodkaInMySweetTea 3 years ago
This is truly a work of art. I feel as though I am there with the sun on my face. Absolutely incredible.
#32
Meowwwww , 1 Strand On 8” Hoop
#33
Astronomer Here! I’ve Embroidered The Night Sky!
Agent 8433599 3 years ago
I love the blueish/blackish/purpleish color! Unrelated, I know, but it's super pretty!
#34
Psa For Anyone Who Needs To Be Reminded Of This Today
Poultry Geist 3 years ago
Omg ! I needed this 20 years ago ! But.. what am I supposed to be doing then 😂
#35
Patrick Stewart Received The Portrait I Created Of Him, And Replied With A Thank You Note. Brb While I Turn Into A Puddle Of Glee
#36
My Bunny
#37
My Latest Embroidery “Weavers Of Life”, 8” Radius, December 2021. A Reminder To Remember Those Who Weave Our Clothing
RMA 3 years ago
I like it and it is very well done but it bothers me that that is knitting, not weaving.
bv7hearts 3 years ago
Weaving is defined as "the craft or action of forming fabric by interlacing threads." so knitting is a type of weaving?
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#38
My Covid 19 Candid Internet Photo Inspired Embroidery
#39
I Took A Stab At Charlotte’s Web. Sadly, I’m No Charlotte!
#40
Finished Up This Crow Yesterday
Onion Cutting Ninja 3 years ago
I make 92$ an hour doing something just kidding im not a bot lol.
Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they) 3 years ago
The onion ninja! We finally got ‘em guys!!
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#41
My Second Embroidery Kit Completed And I’m So Pleased!
#42
I Finished This Morton Salt Girl Project Yesterday And I'm So Proud!
Nancy Lynch 3 years ago
Morton Salt. "When it rains, It pours." The salt does not clump in the humidity.
Jordana Madison 3 years ago
To Katherine-The Morton Salt Girl used to be common years ago in the United States.
#43
Happy World Tapir Day!
#44
My Embroidery Diary Did Not Go Too Well
#45
Finished My First Embroidery Ever!
Rachel Jones 3 years ago
Wow good job, I also started with flowers but am ready to expand to new things!
#46
My Star Wars Themed Embroidery Piece, Inspired By The Swamps Of Dagobah!
Daniel Atkins 3 years ago
I met him in the swamp down in Degobah where it bubbles all the time like a giant carbonated soda.
#47
Due To Personal Reasons, Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
#48
So So Proud Of The Result
#49
Barn Owl. Embroidered Bag
#50
My First Stab At Embroidery. Any Tips To Make It Look Less Like A Paint By Number?
Katrijn Vermeiren 3 years ago
Use finer thread. Maybe 2 of the 6 threads. This way you can make finer 'brush strokes'.
Barbara Vandewalle 3 years ago
The more threads per inch the finer the stitches. Keep your work in a hoop so the tension stays the same. Loosen the hoop when you are not stitching. Chain stitch is good for outlining.
Load More Replies... Judy Reynolds 3 years ago
Practice! Practice! Practice! For a first attempt, this is awesome!!
#51
I Love Mushrooms
#52
Upon Your Encouragement, I Added Antennas. I Am So Much Happier With It Now! Amazing What A Difference A Small Adjustment Makes!
#53
Green Cheek Conure On Tulle. The Little Feet Tickle Me Pink. Beth Carroll Art
#54
I Want To Show You One Of My Favorite Custom Embroidery
#55
Spotlight
Tassenküchlein168 3 years ago
Modern and art-ish. I love all embroidery shown here, and this is one of the best.
#56
Quick Little Project Celebrating The Reawakening Of The Forest Floor
Just a ray of f'ing sunshine 3 years ago
Quick little project? I'd love to see what this person does with a more in depth project! :)
#57
Ode To Klimt
#58
Thread Painting On 7” Hoop
#59
Tried My Hand At Monochrome Embroidery! I Used Dmc Étoile Floss For A Bit Of Added Dimension And Sparkle
#60
Very Happy With My Magic Chameleon And Wanted To Show Someone! Here He Is
#61
Tried To Use Fabric To Represent The Bush- Does It Work?
#62
I Embroidered Some Shoes For An Ocean-Loving Friend’s Birthday
#63
Hand Embroidered Landscape Titled “Daydreaming”
#64
Polyphemus Moth Embroidery
#65
Made This For My Father, Who Loves To Make Ship Replicas And Paper Folding Geometric Crafts
#66
Entering The Town Of Twin Peaks
#67
Satin Stitches Wonky After Wash - How Can I Help Them?
#68
My Best Work Yet, For My Dear Friend And Her Husband. I Can’t Wait To Give It To Them!
#69
My Angler Fish Embroidery
#71
Gay & Fruity
#72
New Embroidery Book Has A “Wrong Side” On Back Of Cover
#73
Some Of My Adventure Time Embroideries
#74
Nazca Lines, Soooo Many French Knots Because I Wanted The Figures Sunken (Like The Real Ones In Peru’s Pebbly Desert Floor)
WhAt?? 3 years ago
That's so awesome. I have been obsessed with the Nazca Lines for years!
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#75
I Have Found A Perfect Background For This Embroidery I Created Back In 2020
#76
Strange Women Lying In Ponds
Whippet With A Cheeseburger 3 years ago (edited)
“Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony!”
M O'Connell 3 years ago
"You can’t expect to wield supreme executive power just ’cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!"
Load More Replies... over it already 3 years ago
Come and see the violence inherent in the system!
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#78
Pet Me And Feed Me Pizza
#79
Some Bern For This Cold Winter Day
#80
I’m Still A Novice. I Did A Tarot Card. Letters Are So Hard!
#81
And He's Done. Alfred Molina As Doctor Octopus In Embroidery. My Son Set Me The Challenge And I Do Like A Challenge. 45 Hours Of Stitchery
#82
Some More Monochrome Embroidery! These Textures Are Very Enjoyable To Work With!
#83
Lives Have Been - And Will Be - Lost To These Methods Thanks To Politicians Restricting Access To Safe Methods
Chris D'Asta 3 years ago
Now this is a stunning statement. I'm male and I cannot allow anyone to control my body either. Human rights means human rights.
#84
I Really Like French Knots
#85
Really Enjoyed This Pattern ! Just Need To Frame It!
#86
Custom Chain-Stitched Rattlesnake On A Blue Velvet Jacket
#87
Here’s The Finished Mini Embroidered Earrings From Earlier This Week
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Here's a link to Jade's shop where you can purchase these lovely earrings: https://naturesfae.co.uk/collections
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
Sue, I posted a link above to Jade's website where you can purchase these gorgeous earrings.
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#88
I Know I'm Not The Only One With This Kit, But This Being My First Stab At Embroidery, I Was So Pleased With How It Turned Out!
#91
A Hobbit Hole To Warm Your Heart
Agent 8433599 3 years ago
Ok, story time. I wore sandals and was outside for a good chunk of the day, and I got a weird tan on my feet that my Momma thought made my feet look like Bilbo Baggins
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
I love how you created all of these wonderful textures with the variety of stitches. I also like the mixture of both embroidery and what appears to be painting.
#92
Inspired By A Post Here Last Week Made My Own Pocket Flowers
#93
Mount Fuji From Lake Yamanaka
Just a ray of f'ing sunshine 3 years ago
Okay, off topic a little bit. I do counted cross stitch and this is the most magnificent way of holding your floss that I've ever seen!
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 3 years ago
This is stunning! It looks like a traditional sumi-e painting.
#94
I Started A New Position At The Beginning Of The Year. This Now Hangs Above My Desk
#95
Cup Of Cats
CAT /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ QUEEN 3 years ago
oOH. MAH. GAWD. ITS PURR-FECT! IM NOT KITTEN WHEN I SAY THIS IS THE MOST PAW-SITIVE THING IN THE WORLD RIGHT MEOW!!!
#96
1 Strand, 20 Colors And 8 Hrs Of Work, A Colorful Orchid Blossomed
#97
Finally Finished This Piece For My Friend's Birthday. She Loves Bob Ross
#98
Finished This Floral Mixed Media Piece - Embroidery, Beads And Gouache On Handmade Paper
#101
One Of My Favorite Pieces I’ve Stitched, From 2019
#102
Medusssssa. So Happy With The Final Product. It Was Getting Dicey While Painting Her Face
#103
My Cousins Grandmother With Her Late Husband. She Adores This Photo So I’m Very Excited To See Her Reaction
#104
My Second Ever Embroidery Project Based On A Drawing I Found Online
#107
Which Side Are You On?
#108
Hand Embroidery I Made For My Son For His Birthday
#109
Two More Edward Gorey Inspired Blackworks. Really Having Fun With These!
#110
Pale Pink And Cream Roses On Ale Is Canvas Shoes
#111
My Newest Embroidery! I Wanted To Try Something Different...
#114
So. Many. Knots. Happy Easter!
#115
My Coworker's Wife Is Expecting, And I Wanted To Make Them A Little Something
#116
My First Stab At Embroidery!
#117
Sunflower Mosaic. Normally, I Stick To Mostly Outlines. Doing A Piece 'Filled In' Takes So Much Longer!
#118
When A Friend Asked Me To Stitch A Donkey I Had My Doubts, But Now I Think I’m In Love With Him
#119
Sauron Eye
#120
Embroidered The Tame Impala Currents Album Cover. I’m So Proud Of It!
Hobby Hopper 3 years ago
I was once playing Slow Rush out loud while I did chores. My wife walked in, and after a few minutes, said she hated it so much she felt irrationally angry.
#121
I Made A Pin Inspired By My Cat Poppy’s Fluffy Toe Beans!
#123
The First Big Project I Finished!
#124
Jackrabbit Abduction! A Full-Back Design Chainstitched On A Purple Velvet Jacket
#126
Glow In The Dark Reptar With LED Eye
#128
I Can Definitely Improve But It’s Cool
#129
Got Inspired To Do This Bobs Burgers Piece It’s Called “I Just Wanna Dance Dad”
#130
Super Stoked With This! My Try At Stitching A Holographic Effect
#131
Finally Finished
#132
Help Me Figure Out How I Feel About This... I Loved The Idea In My Head, But Feeling Meh About The Final Result
#133
So Proud Of This Smoking Cat
#134
A Triforce Out Of French Knots. Tried To Make It Look Mossy
#137
I Embroidered A Target Polo For My Kiddo. Now It Looks Like She Goes To A Prep School For Witches
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TheReader19 3 years ago
Everyone who's work was displayed did a bang-up job. I am now going to bed pretending that I am so inspired that I will go and buy a beginner's kit in the morning
TheReader19 3 years ago
Everyone who's work was displayed did a bang-up job. I am now going to bed pretending that I am so inspired that I will go and buy a beginner's kit in the morning
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