Persian Embroidery receives its name entirely from the character of the patterns and the colors selected in working them. Rich Oriental hues in great variety are combined in one design, and no effort is made to shade, or to follow the colors of nature. The work is purely conventional. There are no rules to be given regarding the stitches to be used, as any stitch which is adapted to the form of the design may be chosen; The Kensington, Satin and Outline Stitches are oftenest used.
A Little History
Early (16th and 17th century) Persian Embroidery consisted of one overall design covering the piece. By the 1800’s, pieces of this type of embroidery had a solid background of one color with the design(s) placed strategically within it.
Victorian Persian Embroidery
In the early 1800’s designs could be purchased all ready for working. The designs as purchased were based on traditional motifs and consisted of animals, flowers, Persian and Turkish figures. They were marked in all the colors required so that even the most inexperienced embroiderer could readily make good work. The purchased designs were originally to be used for rugs but could, and often were, transferred to fabric to be used for household and personal items.
