Embroidery, the art of stitching decorative designs by hand or machine on te

or leather, encompasses a great variety of techniques and materials. The ba

materials most commonly used are cotton, linen, wool, silk, leather; and sot

synthetics; but unusual substances, such as gold and silver, precious stones, l

beads, and feathers can be employed to achieve spectacular effects.

Because there are so many kinds of embroidery techniques, it is difficult t

classify them. A good deal of overlap exists, since one technique may influel

another. Many of the same stitches can be used in several techniques and wor

different materials, according to the type of embroidery. For example, the

stitch (see "Crewelwork Sampler," Volume Five) can be employed in crewe

work and hardanger, two quite dissimilar embroidery techniques.

Historically a popular craft, embroidery is rapidly coming back into favor t

It is a relaxing, creative pastime with an end product that carries the mark~

creator s personality. In fact, some men are taking up embroidery for this v

reason. It is also inexpensive and easy to letup, strong factors in its appeal t

children.