The Basic Stitches Used in Shu Embroidery

Embroidery, the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, relies on a diverse range of stitches, each contributing unique textures and visual effects to a design. These stitches are not just simple ways of attaching thread; they are the building blocks of intricate patterns and expressive motifs.

Understanding the wide array of embroidery stitches is crucial for any embroiderer. From the basic line stitches that form the foundation of any design to the decorative and specialty stitches that add depth and artistry, each stitch plays a vital role in the creation of beautiful embroidery. By practicing and mastering these stitches, you can unlock endless possibilities in your embroidery projects.

Shu embroidery, a delicate and intricate art form originating from Sichuan Province in China, is renowned for its exquisite details and vibrant colors. The beauty of Shu embroidery lies not only in its designs but also in the mastery of various stitches that bring them to life. Let’s delve into some of the fundamental stitches commonly used in this ancient craft:

Stitching methods of Shu embroidery are selected based on the design and style of the embroidery piece. There are twelve major categories.

Stitches Used in Shu Embroidery

根据绣品设计及风格选用针法，蜀绣针法有十二大类。

1.点线类 (Dot and Line Category)

1.1 点针 (Dot Stitch)
1.2 接针 (Connecting Stitch)
1.3 滚针 (Rolling Stitch)
1.4 切针 (Cutting Stitch)
1.5 撒针 (Scattering Stitch)
1.6 断针 (Broken Stitch)
1.7 串针 (Stringing Stitch)

2.平绣类 (Flat Embroidery Category)

2.1 齐铺针 (Even Spreading Stitch)
2.2 纱针 (Gauze Stitch)
2.3 掺针 (Blending Stitch)
2.4 晕针 (Halo Stitch/Shading Stitch)
2.5 车拧针 (Twisting Stitch)
2.6 施针 (Granting Stitch / Applying Stitch)
2.7 扣针 (Looping Stitch / Buttonhole Stitch)
2.8 齐盖针 (Even Covering Stitch)
2.9 混线绣 (Mixed Thread Embroidery)

3. 缠绕类 (Winding/Wrapping Category)

3.1 锁针绣 (Chain Stitch)
3.2 打籽绣 (French Knot/Seed Stitch)
3.3 拉锁子 (Pulling Chain Stitch)
3.4 鳝鱼骨针 (Eel Bone Stitch)
3.5 卷线绣 (Coiled Thread Embroidery)
3.6 包梗绣 (Stem Wrapping Stitch)

4. 拉载类 (Pulling and Loading Category)

4.1 拴针 (Knotting Stitch)
4.2 拉甲针 (Pulled Work Stitch)
4.3 盘钉绣 (Nailhead Embroidery)

5. 挑花数纱类 (Counted Thread and Drawnwork Category)

5.1 架针 (Scaffolding Stitch)
5.2 编针 (Braiding Stitch)
5.3 纤针 (Drawnwork Needle)
5.4 戳纱 (Punching Gauze/Drawn Thread Work)
5.5 大十字针 (Large Cross Stitch)

6. 乱针类 (Random Stitch Category)

6.1 大乱针 (Long and Short Stitch)
6.2 小乱针 (Short and Scattered Stitch)
6.3 虚实针 (Combination of Long & Short and Short & Scattered Stitches / Shading Stitch)

7. 抽纱类 (Drawnwork Category)

抽纱 (Drawnwork), 勒丝 (Lace)

8. 起绒类 (Pile Embroidery Category)

8.1 割绒绣 (Cut Velvet Embroidery)
8.2 扎绒绣 (Knotted Pile Embroidery)

9.贴补类 (Appliqué and Patching Category)

9.1 补绣 (Mending/Patching Embroidery)
9.2 裹布绣 (Cloth Wrapping Embroidery)
9.3 镶嵌绣 (Inlaid Embroidery)

10. 垫绣类 (Padded Embroidery Category)

10.1 垫线 (Padding Thread)
10.2 高绣 (Raised Embroidery)

11. 锦纹针类 (Brocade Stitch Category)

11.1 编织锦锦纹针 (Woven Brocade Stitch)
11.2 拉花锦锦纹针 (Pulled Flower Brocade Stitch)
11.3 闩锦锦纹针 (Latched Brocade Stitch)
11.4 花纹锦锦纹针 (Patterned Brocade Stitch)
11.5 联合锦纹针 (Combined Brocade Stitch)

12.双面绣类 (Double-Sided Embroidery Category)

12.1 双面绣接针 (Double-Sided Connecting Stitch)
12.2 撇针 (Slanting Stitch)

Threads and Materials: The Supporting Cast

The stitches of Shu embroidery work in conjunction with the materials employed. Fine, lustrous silk threads are the preferred choice, allowing for a smooth finish and showcasing the vibrant color variations. The fabric on which the embroidery is worked also contributes to the overall effect. Typically, silk or a fine linen is used. The thread and needle selection is essential to achieving the precise and elegant finished product.

Material	Description	Impact on Embroidery
Fine Silk Thread	The primary material used, chosen for its luster, strength, and ability to hold dye well, available in various shades and thicknesses.	Contributes to the smooth, detailed, and vibrant appearance of the embroidery. Allows for subtle shading and color variations.
Silk Fabric	The traditional choice for the embroidery base, providing a smooth and supportive surface that enhances the vibrancy of the embroidery.	Enhances the luxurious feel and allows for the stitches to lie properly.

Understanding these various stitches reveals the complex and delicate art of Shu embroidery. Each stitch is chosen intentionally, working in harmony with the silk threads and fabric to create pieces that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful. The time, skill, and patience required to create these detailed embroideries are testament to the rich history and continued tradition of this unique textile art.

Custom Chinese Shu Embroidery