Introduction
This site is in memory
of my beloved parents Boghos (Paul) and Berjouhi (Dermenjian) Derharoutunian.
Several of the embroidery items photographed in this web site were made by my
mother. I will treasure these exquisite and beautiful pieces which have a very
special place in my home and in my heart.
This web site is
specifically for Armenian embroidery of Marash ( ) origin. It is also called
Armenian interlaced embroidery, also referred to as Marash ( ) embroidery. It is called Marash () work
after its city of origin. Armenian embroidery is also known by other names as well;
one such other name is Maltese embroidery, because it was introduced from Armenia to Malta
and Europe during the Middle Ages.
Remember and Preserve
Armenians today are
blessed by the diversity and richness of a heritage passed on by thirty centuries of rich
culture and diligent practice. Few have felt the burden to preserve and remember
those who worked hard to keep Armenian heritage alive and preserved in many museums.
Armenian women, regardless of birthplace or habitat, were usually familiar with the art of
making various kinds of fine needlework. Today things are different. With many
women working and having professional careers, it is very difficult for them to make time
to learn these beautiful embroideries. However, somebody has to keep passing on the
art of making these beautiful pieces and teaching the next generation. My love and
fascination for the Armenian heritage and needlework made me put this web site together,
in the hope of motivating others to join in the effort to preserve the art. While
individuals are encouraged to start learning and making these embroideries on their own, I
especially encourage the formation of groups (clubs) interested in embroidery to meet
regularly so the group members can assist and support each other.
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Armenian Cross (Khatchkar)
This is an
item of Armenian embroidery. It is a picture of the Armenian Cross (Khatchkar/ ) made on velvet, a masterpiece of
Marash ( ) embroidery. "Khatchkar/" meaning cross and stone,
stood as a symbol of the Armenian people's deep rooted faith, even in the face of most
vicious adversities. The original "Khatchkar/", carved on stone, was
brought to Holy Echmiadzin Monastery, Armenia, in 1279 from the region of Mt.
Ararat. Note that this Armenian Cross is an eight-point cross which makes it
uniquely Armenian. The star which appears below the cross is the typical
eight-pointed Armenian star. The eight points on both the cross and the star
represent the eight directions of the compass and date back to pre-Christianity Armenia.
To see a
larger size of the Armenian Cross click on the picture or click here.
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Armenian Alphabet
 This is another item of Armenian embroidery. It is a picture of the
Armenian alphabet which has 38 letters. The present Armenian alphabet was produced
in 406 A.D. during the reign of King Vramshapuh (387-414). The alphabet was
developed jointly by an Armenian clergyman, Mesrob Mashtotz and Catholicos Sahak,
Armenia's spiritual leader, and consisted of 36 letters. Two letters were later
added to the alphabet during the Crusades. This effort to produce the Armenian
alphabet was to bear the brunt of the responsibility for preserving Armenian culture and
art.
For a larger size of the Armenian alphabet click on the picture or click here.
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Haigazian
University (Beirut) Logo
The
following is a photo of an embroidery logo of Haigazian University.
Haigazian University was established in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1955.
Its logo represents its heritage, its history and its present ties; it has four
parts depicted on the sides of the Armenian cross, the Armenian Khatchgar: Mount Ararat,
represents the Armenian heritage; the Cedar tree
represents Lebanon, the University's place of birth and the host country for one of the
lagest Armenian communities in the diaspora after the Armenian Genocide of 1905; the lamp
represents service of the university to its host community and its students, faculty and
staff, and the book represents the source of wisdom and knowledge. The road that links
Mount Ararat and the Cedar tree, represents the integration of the two aspects of the
Armenian identity. In the center stands the Armenian cross and in its center the Armenian
symbol of the eternal sun. The two concentric circles contain the name of the university
in Arabic (top), Armenian (bottom left) and English (bottom right).
Photos of other Embroidered Items
Following
are other items of Armenian embroidery. They include a bedspread, pillowcases,
tablecloths and table runners:
This is a
picture of a king size bedspread.
To see a
larger size of the bedspread click on the picture or click here.
These are
the round tablecloths. To see larger sizes click on any picture or click here.
These are
square and oval tablecloths. For larger sizes click on any picture or click here.
These are pillowcases. For
larger sizes of the pillowcases click on any picture or click here.
These are different colors and sizes
of table runners. To see larger sizes of all the table runners click on any
picture or click here.
 
 
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Basic Armenian Embroidery Stitches
I thank my sister Ankine who taught me Armenian embroidery.
One day she insisted on teaching me. I was surprised how quickly I learned and
completed several pieces myself. The stitch looks complicated but when one gets the
idea of how it is done the work is easy, enjoyable and rewarding. Also, it is
very important that one tries and tries again.
Included here are various stitches
reproduced from the book entitled Marashi Aseghnagordsoutyune (The Needlework of Marash)
by Serig Davtyan published in Armenian in 1978 in Erevan. Also, some pages were
reproduced from Armenian Needlelace and Embroidery by Alice Odian Kasparian.
You will need a design and a
fairly thick cotton thread or DMC thread. I will cover the steps of how to
draw your own design at home in the next section without using any complex machines or
tools. The designs are printed on the fabric in different ways; some are stamped on
fabric with carved wooden stamps while others are painted on the fabric with a brush or
steel pen dipped in a special paste. The design may also be drawn at home on a clear
plastic sheet or translucent paper for easy positioning; the plastic or the paper is then
perforated along the design lines to allow paint to penetrate into the fabric, and the
plastic sheet is then painted along the perforations while it is held against the
fabric. This design method will be explained below in more detail.
To start learning the basic embroidery
stitching, you need to draw a line (with a pencil or colored pen) just like the line below
on a piece of white cloth. You also need thread and needle to practice.
Remember practice, practice and practice. Practice makes perfect.
1st step: Work a row of herringbone or
fishbone stitch just like the picture below
2nd step: Work a second row. The
foundation must be correct, otherwise the 3rd and 4th steps cannot be worked
accurately. Each bar of the herringbone on both ends should be either over or under
the stitches. Make bars once over and once under alternately to the end just like
the picture below.
3rd step: Work the top row of
interlacing by threading the up-slanting stitches underneath the others just like the
picture below.
4th step: Work the bottom row of
interlacing by threading the down-slanting stitches underneath the others, following the
exact direction of the stitches just like the picture below.
The first row of the fishbone stitches
has the second row superimposed upon it. While working the second row of fishbone
stitches, the needle is passed under the working thread of each stitch instead of over
it. The base of the foundation of the first and second rows should not be worked
tightly, because in interlacing the threads superimposed on the first and second rows, the
weaving thread tends to draw the stitches together. The third row is worked by
filling in the upper or lower outline by a darning type stitch. The fourth row
completes the process by weaving in and out of each stitch until the work is
completed. Marash Embroidery is a very precise embroidery. There can be no
errors in working it or the weaving will not come out perfect. The first and second
fishbone stitches are the foundation stitches and will show on the back; all the
rest of the weaving is done on the surface. While working the third and
the fourth row do not pierce fabric. Slide needle between fabric and existing
stitch. In the Encyclopedia of Embroider Stitches by Marion Nichols, you can see a
description of this stitch, the author calls the stitch German Interlacing or Maltese
Interlacing. Regardless what it is called, this stitch is derived from Armenia.
After you have practiced these basic
stitches, follow the designs below for making more complicated patterns.
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Different Designs
These are different designs that you
can try to practice after you have mastered the basic stitches above. You can
click on the link below to see different designs and explanation of each designs.
Different Designs
How to Draw
This section will be continuously revised and updated to illustrate how
to draw new designs. Please click here to see the
illustration.
Finished Products
All of the pieces shown on this web
site are also available in finished form. They are available from Armenian church
organizations, orphanages and various other charitable groups.
I have access to Armenian charitable
organizations and I am interested in promoting their products. I am therefore able
to supply a limited amount of finished products . This web site was created in
support of the LADAH FOUNDATION, a non-profit,
tax-exempt organization. Hence, net proceeds of any sale will be donated to Armenian
charitable organizations.
You may inquire about and order
finished products by sending your email to
hladah@hotmail.com
E-mail address
This site is in the process of being developed and
will continue to be revised and improved. Please
send any comments, corrections or additions, through the email procedure you normally
use, to the email address below or click on the link below to send your email message if
your browser is set up. Also, please sign my guestbook and write any comments you may have.
hladah@hotmail.com
Last Updated on
March 19, 2009
© 1999 Prepared by HBL - All Rights
Reserved
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