National Embroidery Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Embroidery Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Embroidery Month is observed on February 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Embroidery Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about National Embroidery Month.

📅 What day is National Embroidery Month 2024?

In 2024, National Embroidery Month is on Wednesday, February 1st. It is the 1st Wednesday in February; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about February 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every February, we take the opportunity to honor and appreciate the art of embroidery. This technique of decorating fabric with needle and thread has a rich history and continues to be cherished by crafters. We have all seen examples of embroidery in our daily lives, from the personalized name labels on work uniforms to the intricate military insignia on veterans’ helmets. Even that cherished jean jacket that your aunt lovingly embroidered is a testament to the widespread use of this art form. It seems that embroidery has found its place in the world of fashion, with almost anything being suitable for embroidery, and modern embroiderers have the ability to create intricate patterns and designs.

📜 National Embroidery Month History

Fans of history from the late 19th and early 20th centuries will be familiar with a Western tradition where young girls were taught to sew from a young age. They would pass the time stitching while important discussions took place in the parlor or sitting room. If their attention strayed from their meticulous embroidery work, they would be punished by having their knuckles hit with switches or rulers. This was one way in which upper-class women were brought up in that unique cultural microcosm, as they learned about the world not only through their craft, but also by overhearing conversations in those chambers.

Over time, as gender roles changed, the strictness of this embroidery ritual diminished and interest in it eventually faded. However, the craft itself never disappeared. Embroidery has always been a popular choice for certain purposes. From traditional hoop-frames and needles to modern machines, there has always been a demand, at the very least, for monogramming.

Aside from commercial applications that can create thousands of impressions per design, we are happy to report that the personal practice of embroidery for artistic pleasure is currently experiencing a significant resurgence. There are numerous pages on platforms like Pinterest and other social media dedicated to this craft. Some argue that this resurgence is a reaction to the dominance of online activities, as people seek more tangible and hands-on experiences.

If you are interested in trying out embroidery and buying supplies, we suggest investing in a thimble for your first attempt.

✅ National Embroidery Month Facts

🔖 It comes from insect larvae … ?
In the process of sericulture, the larvae of the mulberry silkworm, which are raised in captivity, naturally create a cocoon as they transition into their adult insect form. After this transformation, the cocoon is left behind and collected to obtain raw silk.

🔖 Chinese “cha-ching!”
Silk, originating from China and tightly guarded with strict security measures, was highly prized in ancient Eurasia. This vast region, spanning from France and England in the west to Japan in the east, considered silk to be the most coveted item for trade. These stringent anti-leak procedures were maintained for many generations.

🔖 It’s made in a process called “throwing”
Once silk is wound into skeins, it undergoes a series of processes including cleaning, twisting, and winding onto bobbins. The silk is then “thrown” by twisting it along its entire length, doubling it, and twisting it again, repeating this process three times. These steps result in the silk becoming thin and strong enough to be used for sewing.

👍 Why Is National Embroidery Month Important

If you own or acquire a hand-embroidered piece of clothing or other gear, chances are you’ll take good care of it so that it lasts a long, long time. One of the finest things about art, in our opinion, is that it survives beyond the mind of its creator.

Embroidery is making a tremendous resurgence as a unique artistic medium. You’d be astonished at the number of crafters we’ve heard of who have recently picked up the hoop and needle, whether they’re pros or novices, young or elderly, or anybody whose hands itch to produce something significant.

When asked what they enjoy most about their chosen profession, many artists will say, “When I’m absorbed in something I’m working on, my mind isn’t on anything else; I’m not worried about bills, my kids, or my parents; it’s just me and what I’m making.” We can inform you that embroidery is no exception.

🙂 How To Observe National Embroidery Month

⚡ Support a local artist or shop owner.

⚡ Attend a class or workshop.
Whether you join the class with your friends or make new acquaintances, you will be amazed by the incredible talent of those who have been honing their needlework skills for many years. And who knows what else you may discover? You might even create a beautiful masterpiece that is worthy of being gifted to someone dear to you.

⚡ Visit a textile museum.
If you travel to your city’s arts sector, you’re likely to find a business owned and maintained by locals that sells hand-embroidered things produced by artists they know. We won’t pretend that such a purchase is small in monetary terms, but the artwork is likely to become a treasured asset to share (or to keep to yourself).

📅 When is National Embroidery Month?

Discover all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Embroidery Month. So be sure to check back soon.