Differences between Hand Designed and Hand Embroidered Embroidery work
We often see some embroidery sellers describe their embroidery as ‘hand designed’. They do not use the term ‘hand embroidered’. What’s the difference between these two terms ‘hand designed’ and ‘hand embroidered’? What’s the motivation behind the seller’s choice of using ‘hand designed’ instead of ‘hand embroidered’? And what should consumers do when they buy Chinese silk embroidery from this type of sellers.
The terms "hand designed" and "hand embroidered" refer to different aspects of the creation process of textile art, and sellers may use these terms in different ways to describe their products. However, it's essential for consumers to understand the distinctions.
Hand Designed Embroidery Work
This term typically means that the initial design or pattern of the embroidery was created by an artisan or designer using their creative skills and possibly hand-drawn sketches. Hand designing involves the artistic conception of the artwork, including decisions about color schemes, composition, and overall aesthetics.
Hand Embroidered Embroidery Work
This term refers to the manual execution of the design onto the fabric using needles and threads. Hand embroidery involves the painstaking process of stitching the pattern onto the fabric by hand, with each thread and stitch applied individually. It requires skilled craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail.
The potential confusion arises when sellers use the term "hand designed" as a way to imply that their products are entirely handmade, suggesting that both the design and the embroidery process were done by hand. However, this may not necessarily mean that the entire piece is hand-embroidered.
Sellers may use the term "hand designed" as a strategic choice to emphasize the creative aspect of their products while avoiding direct mention of machine involvement.
Though "hand designed" implies a human touch in the initial artistic process, it doesn't guarantee that the entire embroidery was done by hand. Some sellers may use this term ambiguously to create an impression of full manual craftsmanship.
To avoid potential misinterpretation, consumers should seek further clarification from sellers. They can inquire whether the entire embroidery, including the stitching, was done by hand or if any part of the stitching process involved machine assistance. Additionally, requesting close-up photos of the embroidery and its backside, as mentioned in the article ‘How to Tell Silk Hand Embroidery from Machine Embroidery’, can provide more insight into the authenticity of the craftsmanship.
While some sellers may use terms strategically to avoid mentioning machine involvement, clear communication and a thorough understanding of the terminology can help consumers make informed choices when purchasing Chinese silk embroidery online.