Embroidery and Handwork
In February we observe Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. But did you know it is also National Embroidery Month? Embroidery has a long history and has been around for centuries. People from many different cultures and time periods have been interested in decorating their garments as a sign of status or to express themselves. We can look at embroidered garments from different periods of history to learn what people were thinking and feeling at the time they were made.
A 4th grade sample project
Embroidery is closely intertwined with Black history. In the 20th century, Black women used embroidery as a form of political protest to express their ideas about social and economic class, race, and women’s role in the home.
At Tamarack, our handwork classes in fourth grade are centered around embroidery. We work artistically with color, form, and symmetry to create beautiful designs for useful everyday objects. Students are required to carefully observe and make thoughtful decisions.
The fourth graders began this year by creating a small square cross stitch project. They divide the square into fourths and create a beautiful and symmetrical piece. Then they progress to a larger eight-way mirroring project that unfolds, showcasing their own design and color choices. The results are eye-catching and practical book bags. This project, intentionally brought in fourth grade, supports the students as they continue learning fractions in their math lessons.
Current neurological research confirms that mobility and dexterity in the fine-motor muscles, especially the hands, stimulate brain development in children. Additionally, the patience and perseverance that handwork requires, strengthens focus and drive.
As political protest or in celebration of Black History Month, Valentine’s Day or National Embroidery Month, working with a needle and thread would be a beautiful way to observe them all.
4th graders working on handwork and their projects
Source: Breen, Eleanor. The Public Historian, vol. 43, no. 4, 2021, pp. 136–38. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48766771. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
Written by Marcia Duncan, Handwork Teacher, and Molly Wardius, Marketing and Events Coordinator