
Silk embroidery art of Chinese craftsmen (photo)
Content
- The most common types of silk embroidery
- How to embroider a silk thread
- Work of professionals
- Helpful Tips
- Video: Chinese silk embroidery
Every day Chinese silk embroideryis becoming more and more popular and the demand for it is increasing. Pictures embroidered with this unique technique amaze the imagination with their gentle, tremulous motifs and amazing, one might even say magical play of light and shadow.
First of all, I would like to note thatChinese silk embroidery is a rather complex and painstaking work. As a rule, it can take an experienced craftswoman from 3 to 6 months to complete one picture, and in some cases the work can stretch out for a whole year.
In addition, silk threads are considered quitefastidious material and require a particularly reverent attitude. Real silk threads are used for embroidery only by hand, as they can fray a lot when used on a machine.
The most common types of silk embroidery
The most common are 4 types of embroidery with silk threads. They differ from each other by plots, technique of execution and even color scale:
Embroidery "Su"
Embroidery "Xiang"
Embroidery "Yue"
Embroidery "Shu"
How to embroider a silk thread
Before you start embroidering the selectedyou will have to prepare a comfortable work place for yourself first. It is also necessary to check in advance how well the threads you have purchased are dyed.
To do this you will need to fold the silkthread and wet it with water. Once you have done this, you will need to place the wet thread on a piece of white fabric and iron it with a well-heated iron. If the silk thread starts to shed, you will notice it right away.
Here is a short list of materials you will need for embroidering pictures with silk threads:
- Subframe, which should exceed the size of your picture by about 4 cm;
- silk fabric;
- A special piece of cardboard or a ready-made set for embroidery;
- Pencil or chalk;
- Silk threads of different colors;
- Short needles (2.5 cm) with small ears.
Having prepared everything you need to create a real masterpiece, you can safely embark on the work itself:

Secure the fabric to a frame or stretch it overhoops. It is best if the silk you choose is plain and natural. Such material is quite durable and it practically does not deform, besides, it shines a little. Remember that Chinese satin stitch is ideal for blue, white or red silk. But if your embroidery is done in a modern style, then you should give preference to cream or golden silk;

Professionals in their field usually plan onIn this "field" with the help of dots, not the drawing itself, but only some of its individual details. Beginner needlewomen who have decided to master the technique of silk embroidery should schematically display their entire drawing, as this will significantly facilitate their work;

When your silk embroidery is clickedfinished, you will need to cut it out. Please note that you will need to leave small allowances so that you can later make the covering;
Work of professionals
Chinese embroidery technique is really unique. Paintings with even the same subjects will look different, because each master has his own vision of the world and his little tricks that are passed down from generation to generation.
Of course, we would all like to learn how to embroider.such amazing paintings, but unfortunately it is quite difficult. In order to master this technique and independently create a double-sided painting, it is necessary to study for many years. In China, this art is taught in childhood, so that as an adult a person can create beautiful silk masterpieces.
Take a close look at these works andImagine how much time and effort it takes to make such embroidery delight those around you with its unearthly beauty and grandeur. But professionals prefer to make embroidered canvases double-sided. Moreover, on one side, silk embroidery can be done with delicate light threads, and on the other, on the contrary, with brighter and more saturated ones.
In order to see how a real master works embroidering a picture with silk, you can watch a video of silk embroidery work on our website.
Please note that the craftsmen embroider on a special stretcher, which is installed at a height convenient for them. In addition, the embroiderer periodically turns this stretcher.
The stitches are made lightning fast, but beforepierce the fabric, the woman freezes for a moment, choosing the appropriate point for the future puncture. It seems that the embroidery "stands still", only the hands of the craftswoman quickly flash like the wings of a fluttering butterfly.
Of course, this is not true - the work does not stand stillplace. It's just that this kind of embroidery is a very labor-intensive and complex process, and in order to see any changes you need to wait a few days, and sometimes a couple of weeks.
Helpful Tips
In order for your paintings, created by silk,Preserved their original appearance, as well as were as close as possible to the originals created by Chinese craftsmen, it is necessary to observe certain rules:

Don't forget to check the quality of the silk threads before you start working, because it will determine whether your embroidery will be beautiful, bright and durable;
It is impossible to convey in words all the beauty andThe charm of the works, for the creation of which the unique Chinese technique of embroidery with silk threads was used. Masters are putting their soul into their work and looking at the pictures made by professionals one can not help but experience some trepidation and sincere admiration. Paintings embroidered with silk threads will always be highly appreciated and can decorate the interior of any home. Such canvases are usually passed on by inheritance, and they are kept in the family for many years.
Video: Chinese silk embroidery