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INSPIRATIONALLY YOURS - Hungarian Embroidery - II

(We had briefly given an introduction to Hungarian embroidery or Embroidery from Hungary in the earlier article. Here we look at different types of embroidery from Hungary very broadly. We hope these intricate stitches give you inspiration.)


Different types of Embroidery

The stitches common to Hungarian embroidery include satin, cross stitch, daisy and chain stitch and darning stitches. Apart from the fine painstaking Matyo needlework, the Kalocsa embroidery centre is another well known place. Hodmezovasarhely the embroidery style popular in the 17th /18th Century is being revived and made into contemporary home furnishings. Cross stitch embroidery from Bereg, red and blue Paloc embroidery, Sarkoz, Transdanubia consisting Rabakoz and Buzsak. Each centre well known for its share of needlework. Halas lace is unique and stands out.

The most painstakingly done embroidery, which is outstanding, is embroidery


from Matyo. It is beautiful to say the least.  Done using minute satin stitches, so fine that the ground cannot be seen, giving the motif a raised three dimensional effect. The motifs do not stand alone but are attractively combined to create a flowing pattern. Matyo embroidery comes from the North Eastern part of Hungary.  The motifs do not stand alone but have been attractively combined to create a flowing pattern. It is this kind of patterning which stands out.  The embroidery is continuous and it is not individual stylized motifs. 


Another innovation is the use of felt in a form of cutwork appliqué machine stitched is striking giving the impression of embroidery. It is done so subtly and intricately that a casual observer can easily mistake it for embroidery. The technique commonly called - cutwork appliqué.   It not only saves time but gives the piece a very rich look. It is used extensively in home furnishings – cushion covers, patch…. This can be used as an adaptation to embroidery even in India. Many a time, the cost of silk with embroidery makes the product prohibitively expensive. A machine cutwork appliqué can create a similar effect though at a much much reduced price!!!

Similarly, embroidery with wool on felt, very difficult is symmetrical and almost like a painting. Sárköz in Transdanubia consisting Rabakoz and Buzsak, is said to be so fine that it is often mistaken for lace. The embroidery is very delicate and extremely beautiful. Cross-stitching is well known, the Northern Edge of the Great Plain uses the Bereg style. Paloc cross stitch is used to decorate touristy artifacts including handkerchiefs, towels, bedding sheets… The common colours are blue and red and embroidered with pigeon..In motifs, Northern Hungary focuses on lily, pomegranate..


Kalocsa Embroidery is prevalent in Southern Hungary, it was predominantly done in white – white on white, today it is done in a myriad of colours. The most popular are motifs are those of flowers. These include – pretty daisies, poppies, tulips, rose, lilies, cornflowers, marigold….The embroidery is done on fabric which is either white, off white or in pastel shades. It uses a range of embroidery stitches.   What sets apart this embroidery is that no motif is ever repeated.

The modernistic adaptation  

Striking colours juxtaposed with subtle laces, drawing from a rich past yet contemporary enough to sit in a home in any part of the world...is how the contemporarised version can be described. Several designers, experts, professionals are working to create a designer twist to this embroidery, where the contemporary dimension is achieved without  losing the essence of the technique or skill. Many a time, commercialization brings down the skill level, this is being superbly controlled.  The embroidery on a traditional skirt today finds place in a stylish blouse for a working woman. Embroidery on coat today can be seen on cushion covers, place mats and table cloth.   Beautiful floral embroidery on skirts of women performing traditional folk dances today finds a place in table covers, napkins and blouses.

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