Fabric Manipulation 4 - Shu Embroidery

Shu Embroidery is traditional embroidery that originates from my hometown. It was first recorded in 202 BC. In 2006, Shu Embroidery was being included by the state council on the list of China's national intangible cultural heritage (Chinagov, 2006).

Compare to other Embroidery, Shu Embroidery is more vivid and colorful.

Because of the fact that the embroidery thread is thin and made of silk, it gives the pattern a shimmery and soft surface.

Song Xian Qiao antique Art street, Chengdu, own picture, 2017 April

Ms.Zhang's shop "Shu Rong Embroidery workshop" in Song Xian Qiao antique Art street, Chengdu, own picture, 2017 April

Ms.Zhang's Embroidery Work, "Chinese herbaceous peony"

During my holiday, I pay a visit to Song Xian Qiao antique Art street located in Chengdu. I was lucky to meet the Shu Embroidery artist Ms. Zhang. After I show her my designs and explained my inspiration, she was happy to cooperate with me. However she told me that Shu embroidery always use light weight fabric such as silk chiffon and soft satin, therefore embroidery on denim will be something interesting and new.

We discuss about the pattern I want to do, the first pattern will a small one be on a skirt and the second one will be something big on a whole back of a jacket. We also want to incorporate some Japanese and Chinese painting style into the pattern. Therefore we decide to do organic subjects such as plants, animals or landscape.

The first pattern’s sketch was posted on my previous post and the final embroidery looks like this.

The first pattern’s sketch was posted on my previous post and the final embroidery looks like this.

The first pattern came out well eventually. However, the overall color scheme for the entire collection wasn’t very sure at that time. I think the purple and green color will be a bit too outstanding among the whole collection. What is good is that the pattern is not big, so that it might be became another light spot.

Sketch 1 for pattern two

For the second pattern, I want to do a much bigger pattern on the back of my look 4’s jacket.This time, I really think about the color combination and how to make it work with the entire collection.I decided to use orange and black color as the main colors. Chrysanthemum, goldfish or carp are usually depicted as bright orange color.

At last, we decided to embroidery “Lotus and Carp”.

Sketch 2

Final Sketch

Final Embroidery

(completed in May 12 in Chengdu)

The fabric was embroidery first before it was cut. After discuss with Ms. Zhang, we decide to make the fish bigger and more realistic, bringing more Japanese traditional painting features. We still keep the lotus as Chinese ink wash painting style. The actual came out very nice, the color really works well with denim and the pattern was vivid and artistic.

Actual Garment