Embroidery, also known as needlework, is one of China's finest traditional handicrafts. Using a needle and vibrant threads of silk, velvet, or wire, artisans create intricate patterns and text on fabric or cloth.
The art of embroidery has been practiced in China for over 4,000 years, with the Book of Documents noting its use on royal robes. Records from the Zhou Dynasty describe “embroidery and weaving being done together,” and high-quality embroidered artifacts from the Warring States and Han dynasties have been unearthed in Hubei and Hunan. During the Tang and Song dynasties, embroidery became finer and more colorful, widely used for art, calligraphy, and decor. The Ming and Qing dynasties saw the expansion of both imperial and folk embroidery, giving rise to the “Four Famous Embroideries”: Suzhou, Guangdong, Hunan, and Sichuan. Other distinct styles, such as Gu, Beijing, Ou, Lu, Min, Bian, and Han embroidery, also flourished. This vibrant tradition has endured and remains strong today.
The rapid development of computer technology and imported innovations has transformed the embroidery industry, much like gunpowder and the compass revolutionized their fields. Modern computer embroidery software enables the design of patterns and stitch sequences, facilitating the mass production of embroidered products. This technology preserves the legacy of traditional hand embroidery while overcoming the limitations of large-scale production.
Initially, computer embroidery focused on flat embroidery. Through continuous improvements by professionals, needlework techniques have advanced significantly. These include, but are not limited to, appliqué embroidery, chain stitch embroidery, water-soluble embroidery, three-dimensional embroidery, carved hole embroidery, lace embroidery, towel embroidery, ribbon embroidery, sequin embroidery, brush embroidery, bead embroidery, and the latest laser embroidery technology. To enhance pattern variety, techniques such as silk printing, TPU/PVC patterns, weaving patterns, and digital direct injection printing are combined with embroidery to achieve desired product outcomes.