Embroidery adds a handmade and personalized touch to T-shirts, hats, bags, and many other items made from fabric. Prior to placing an order for custom embroidery, you might want to know more about the history of this decorative practice. Below, you’ll learn more about its origins and evolution.

Beginnings 

The earliest known use of embroidery dates back to 30,000 BCE when Cro-Magnons walked the earth. Archaeologists have unearthed fossils that prove these European early modern humans hand-stitched their clothing, boots, and hats in a decorative manner.

There is evidence that the Siberians of 5000 BCE stitched shells into patterns on animal hides, and Chinese artwork in 3500 BCE depicts people wearing clothing adorned with pearls attached with silk thread. 

Later Development

Modern embroidery stems from the process of patching, tailoring, and mending fabrics. Rather than serving a purely practical purpose, people throughout the world began to embrace the more artful possibilities of sewing garments by hand.

With the dawn of the sewing machine in the 1800s, embroidery declined in popularity. However, with the rising popularity of cross-stitch and wool work in the late 19th century, embroidery began to make a comeback. 

Modern Manifestations

Modern embroidery uses computers and software to create the designs, map out the patterns, and apply the stitching. This makes it much easier while still retaining the charm of hand-sewn fabrics. 

With digitized embroidery, you can monogram or add logos to dozens of different garments and textiles in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for personalizing team jerseys, school uniforms, and company T-shirts.

The next time you need to customize garments, get in touch with The Monogram Company. They offer embroidery for T-shirts, jerseys, and uniforms to clients throughout La Crosse, WI. Call (800) 784-9647 to place an order for custom embroidery and visit the website to browse through FAQ about their monogramming and screen printing services.