Ukrainian embroidery: from ancient times to our time

The tradition of decorating clothes

  The tradition of decorating clothing, household items, and sacred textiles with patterns in the form of flowers or geometric shapes has a long history. According to archaeologists and historians, it dates back to the time when the Cimmerians, Scythians, and Sarmatians lived in the lands of contemporary Ukraine. Representatives of the Trypillian culture were skilled potters and decorated pottery and other household items with geometric ornaments. It was the Trypillians who used circles, rhombuses, specks, meanders, and other elements that are now considered the basis of Ukrainian ornamentation.

Embroidery in Kievan Rus

  The nobility of Kyivan Rus liked to lace their outerwear. Anna, the daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, founded a school where girls were taught gold and silver embroidery techniques, as well as working with silk threads and velvet.

  The most widespread technique in the Ukrainian regions was the "straight satin stitch". Residents of the western regions of the country used to decorate their clothes and everyday items with Retiaz stitches. According to historians, 150 embroidery techniques were used by craftswomen of ancient times. Artists used to decorate their products with pearls and glass beads. Shirts and gerdans (chest accessories) embroidered with small beads are still widespread in the Western regions.

  The tradition of integrating embroidered clothing into business style was started by Ivan Franko, a public figure and writer. Nowadays, it is followed by politicians and representatives of culture and sports. During the Ukrainian Revolution of the early twentieth century, UIA soldiers had a black embroidered shirt with them in case of burial. Deportations ordered by Joseph Stalin did not discourage the embroiderers and they continued to work in the Gulag camps. 

  After Ukraine gained its independence, the popularity of ethnic embroidery has increased. Now you can order works with any pattern from talented artists.