Schiffli Embroidery

Schiffli Lace (Image: http://www.sachfabsembroiderydesigns.com)

Schiffli is a type of lace that is embroidered on using the Schiffli machine; thus giving the work the name ‘Schiffli embroidery’. The word ‘schiffli’ is derived from the Swiss dialect of the German language, where it means ‘little boat’, referring to the hull-like shape of the shuttle used to produce this type of lace. Schiffli embroidery is produced by the characteristic use of a special kind of machinery and a chemical bath of the embroidered fabric. This type of embroidery has found many modern uses in Indian ethnic fashion, especially in designer salwar kameez.

Background

While hand embroidery has been part of the global fashion culture since time immemorial, it was the advent of the Industrial Revolution that sparked the creation of machine embroidery. Embroidery by shuttle was first thought of in 1860 by Isaac Groebli from Switzerland but was first practiced only after 1873 when he invented the first Schiffli embroidery machine. Since the machine was based on the principles of a sewing machine, the method of production of Schiffli embroidery also followed a similar pattern.

Sources of Inspiration

The inspiration for Schiffli lace or Schiffli embroidery was inspired by the patterns sewing machines could produce on cloth. This is how Groebli came up with the idea of inventing a shuttle that consisted of a bobbin of thread and the machine that utilizes a large number of needles that work at the same time along the length of the fabric, forming lock stitches, much like the sewing machine.

The Making

Depending on the patterns that need to be embroidered on the fabric, the process of production can vary in its details. However, there is a broad production process that can be outlined for the creation of Schiffli embroidery.

The Schiffli machine is a multi-needle loom, whose field of embroidery is wide, constant and coinciding. This machine uses approximately a thousand needles that are placed in horizontal lines, one above the other. The fabric is held against the entire width of the loom and the needles, like the sewing machine, move back and forth through it. The embroidery creates an interlocked series of thread which in essence becomes the lace pattern and a standalone piece of embroidered lace. The fabric on which this embroidery is created is known as the ‘sacrificial fabric’ because after the embroidery is completed, the length of the fabric is immersed in a chemical bath in which the un-embroidered patches dissolve and the lace remains.

Schiffli Machine (Image: http://www.alibaba.com)

Styles And Variety

The characteristic feature of Schiffli embroidery that differentiates it from other forms of machine embroidery is the ability to create diverse luxurious patterns with a three-dimensional effect.

There are many varieties that can be found in Schiffli embroidery, based on thread type, thread color, patterns, fabrics, and usage.

Embroidery with Borer Holes / Eyelet: Borer Holes are small perforations that can be made in many shapes 2-D shapes and are rimmed with either cloth threads or metallic threads. The complete effect is achieved when stitches are placed on the outer edges of the eyelet.
Embroidery on Net: This type of Schiffli embroidery makes use of net-like base fabrics on which the embroidery is created.
Guipires Embroidery: This type of Schiffli embroidery is based on the chemical properties of the fabric rather than its physical appearance. Water-soluble material is used in the creation of Guipires Schiffli embroidery.
Embroidery with Applique: In this variant, the second layer of fabric is added to the base fabric at the beginning of the process. However, this is rolled up and secured on the upper roller of the loom while the base is being embroidered. The front yarn is then cut, the applique fabric spread out and then the embroidery is continued.
Embroidery in Colors: In order to get a variety of colors within the chemical lace, there are two types of techniques that can be used. One involves the usage of separate strands of thread in different colors while the other uses one multicolored yarn in its creation.
Embroidery with Metallic Thread: Metallic threads are used specifically to add sheen and shimmer to the lace. These threads, since they’re made of synthetic fibers, are strong, durable and available in a variety of colors such as gold, silver, copper, back, green or emerald, wine red and other luscious hues.
Embroidery for Borders: This type of Schiffli embroidery is classified based on its usage for embellishing the edges or the borders of a garment.
All Over Embroidery: Schiffli embroidery, when done all over the fabric, involves stitching the cloth continuously with one pattern from one edge to the other. However, there can be separate patterns right at the beginning and right at the end of the fabric.

(Also Read: Patiala or Punjabi Salwar)

Modern Day Usage

Schiffli embroidery is often seen on modern salwar kameez as embellishments. Among its other uses are creations of lingerie, home décor items and as frills on cushion covers. In India, Scchiffli Lace is primarily created and exported from Gujarat.

Present Day Scenario and Global Influence

Evolution in machinery has resulted in the creation of modern Schiffli machines that can produce lace that is 15 yards long and 60 inches wide, in one go.

Other evolutions in the creation of Schiffli lace revolve around the composition of the chemical bath and the fabric. Since the disintegrating bath is not environment-friendly, water-soluble fabrics, as well as those fabrics that disintegrate under high heat, have been created. These are cost-intensive inventions, making them impractical for small-scale production industries. Chemical baths are still used in developing countries.

Elaborate Schiffli Embroidered Textile (Image: http://www.delphique.com)

Maintenance

This type of lace is pretty sturdy as it is machine created and is pre-treated chemically. Therefore there are no specific precautionary measures that need to be taken to maintain it well. Schiffli lace is generally durable and strong.

Facts and Trivia

The chemical treatment of the sacrificial fabric is generally enzyme-based.
The Schiffli machine is 18 m long.
Alphonse Kursheedt is credited for the introduction of Schiffli embroidery in USA.

References

06.08.2015

Categories: Motifs & Embroideries

Tags: schiffli embroidery, schiffli embroidery designs, schiffli fabric, schiffli lace