ABSTRACT
Embroidery – the word evokes images of patterns or designs on fabric embellished with threads and other decorative material. Throughout the recorded history of mankind, embroidery has had a wide-ranging role. At its most fundamental, embroidery is a handicraft applied to decorate apparel and items of daily use to beautify the surroundings. It was also variously used as a conduit to express personal feelings and aspirations and to fortify social, political and religious beliefs, philosophy, and principles (Chung 2005: 14). While it is still viewed as a handicraft in many parts of the world, embroidery, at the top end of the spectrum, has achieved the status of high art in its own right alongside other visual arts mediums.
