Decoration of royal times - Richelieu embroidery

Embroidery is one of the most ancient ways of decorating clothes and household items. Starting with the simplest seams, it gradually began to improve and become more complicated. Some types of embroidery are very complex in execution and are available to professional masters after a long training. But most can be mastered by virtually every needlewoman.

The choice of cardinal

One such available technique is the Richelieu embroidery. She received her sonorous name from the famous historical figure of Louis XIII, Cardinal Richelieu, who preferred lace, made in this technique. Their cutting openwork airiness conquered the hearts of the aristocracy since the XIV century, having received the maximum distribution in the XVI-XVII centuries.

Openwork patterns

This is one of the varieties of smoothness, supplemented by elements such as cutting out part of the base and filling the gaps with bridges. Embroidery Richelieu, as a rule, uses plant motifs in their compositions. A large space in the slotted space makes it the most delicate among other finishes.

Despite its decorative complexity, this is a very simple technique. Stitches that use Richelieu embroidery are available at any level of craftsmanship. A needle and a pair of scissors are sufficient to carry out the work. The material for making lace can serve as linen and cotton fabrics, according to their density, the pattern is selected. The thinner the fabric, the finer the finished product will be. Initially, the Richelieu embroidery was done with white threads on a white base. But today this has ceased to be the rule.

Simple seams of uneasy things

The main characteristic feature of this lace is the presence of bridges, the bridge, connecting the individual parts of the picture. Embroidery Richelieu, whose patterns are composed in such a way that their details are superimposed on each other or in contact with each other, and the gaps between them are cut out, is called the openwork smoothness. All work is done by two kinds of a seam - simple direct "forward needle" and loop.

The first laying on the contours of the picture, fixing the edge and giving embroidery texture. At the same time, the brides are carried out, which connect the parts of the pattern and are made over the fabric. After laying the jumper, it should be braided with a stitching seam, returning to the place where the bride starts and continuing the processing of the edge of the pattern.

After all the contours of the pattern are traversed by two seams, those areas that will not be cut out are filled. Before you start removing excess fabric, it is recommended to wash the cloth on which the work is done. Carefully wring out the material, it must be dried with ironing, and do it should be done from the wrong side so that the texture of the finished product does not suffer.

Scissors will give an airiness

After the washed fabric is dried, thin scissors need to cut out all the prescribed places on the embroidery. At the same time, very carefully controlling, so as not to cut the threads that form the edges of the work and form the bridae.

Made in the technique of Richelieu, embroidery will be an excellent decoration for your clothes or interior.