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• Embroidery is the method of putting or embellishing a fabric with stitched designs
• Embroidery is used to add decorative elements to clothing or accessories
• In the Philippines, Jesuit Pedro Murillo Velarde noted that embroidery or burda was one of the handicrafts perfected by Filipinos
• Lumban Laguna is known as the "Hand Embroidery Capital of the Philippines", where designs are distinct and meticulously done by hand (Calado)
• Calado embroidery is quite difficult to make and considered one of the most expensive, being the greatest contribution of Filipinos to the world
• Tools and materials in embroidery include:

  1. Embroidery Thread - available in different colors and thicknesses, made up of different fibers

  2. Fabric - plays an important role in the quality of the embroidery work done, chosen according to the style of the embroidery

  3. Needles - available in different sizes and types, including Tapestry Needle, Embroidery/Crewel Needle, and Chenille Needle

  4. Scissors - used to cut the fabric and trim the threads, including Dressmakers Shear, Embroidery Scissors, Small Pointed Scissors, and Pointed Scissors

  5. Trimmers - used to trim excess threads

  6. Embroidery Hoop/Frames - made of wood, metal, or plastic, come in different shapes (round, square, rectangle) frames, used to hold the fabric

  7. Thimble - used to push the needle and protect the finger
• Basic Embroidery Stitches:

  • Outline Stitches are used to delineate the edge of a motif and can look simple or complex, including Running Stitch, Back Stitch, Split Stitch, Stem Stitch, Holbein Stitch (Double Running Stitch), Herringbone Stitch, and Chevron Stitch
• 4.Scissors used to cut the fabric and trim the threads. A.Dressmakers Shear -Have a longer blade that makes them ideal for achieving accurate cutting of patterns pieces, which in turn gives a better finished garment. B.Embroidery Scissors -Used to cut sewing thread or multiple embroidery thread.They are specially designed with long, thin pointy tips. C.Small Pointed Scissors -Designed to make tight cuts on fabric D.Pointed Scissors -Ideal for detailed and intricate cutting
• 3.Needles There are embroidery needles available in different sizes and types. Includes the following: A.Tapestry Needle These needles have a large eye and a blunt round point designed for needlepoint, petit point, countercross stich and plastic works. B.Embroidery/Crewel Needle It has 2 advantage: 1. a long eyes for easy threading 2. a very sharp point that will pierce close-woven fabrics. C.Chenille Needle -Similar to embroidery needles, as they have sharp points and large eyes. However they are shorter in length and wider in width than standard embroidery needle, and have long eyes.
• -Later on, crafters repurposed their sewing pieces for other requirements, such as wall decors, tablecloth, handkerchieves and pouches.
• Also known for Barong Tagalog, Filipiniana dresses, fans, coins purse, bags, shawls, handkerchieves tablecloths, table runners, placemat and coasters.