Since ancient times in Rus', on every piece of utensil, on every piece of clothing, as well as on houses, various elements and symbols were depicted, which formed patterns. Each detail had its own meaning and place. This is how the Russian folk pattern was formed.
Historical information about Russian folk patterns
It should be understood that there are two terms - pattern and ornament. And it was not the same thing from the beginning. Even now, not every pattern can be called an ornament. For example, if this is a constantly repeating pattern (rapport).
In Rus' it was believed that the pattern was much deeper, it meant more. The word ornament is borrowed from Latin, and it appeared much later and means decoration. In Rus' there was an analogue to it - “decorations”. It was believed that it was intended for decorative stylization. However, later these two concepts became intertwined and began to complement each other.
Russian folk pattern is a collection of various lines, symbols, and other elements that can be repeated or be in a single version. Pictures may vary in different areas. Thus, in the eastern regions of Rus', in the pattern you can find such an element as the “Indian cucumber,” which is still popular today.
Also, each area had its own color scheme of patterns and ornaments.
Signs and symbols in Russian pattern
If we consider the Russian folk pattern from the point of view of symbolism, then we can say that not a single element is depicted there just like that. Each has its own meaning and is in its place.
The most popular symbols in the pattern are:
- The star of Alatyr, or, as it is also called, the cross of Svarog. It has eight petals and symbolizes the Universe, its cycles of folding and unfolding.
- The symbol of Beregini (Rozhanitsa) is also very popular. This is a schematic representation of a woman who protects.
- A very significant symbol is which is sometimes also called the World Tree. It combines the world axis, the universe and the race.
- Everyone knows: During the time of Hitler, the swastika became a symbol of war and fascism, but initially this was not at all the case.
- Also popular is the Orepei symbol, which is a comb diamond. This symbol brings happiness, balance and peace of mind.
- In addition, flowers, stars, spirals and other symbols are used in the pattern and ornament, each of which carries a specific meaning, enhancing the positive and protective energy of a person.
In addition to the above elements, there are many others. In addition, almost all patterns of the scheme are quite diverse. The same symbol can be depicted in different ways, however, maintaining common features and lines. This is how entire protective phrases arise, as well as small stories or conspiracies.
The sacred meaning of the pattern
You should know that the same symbol, but depicted in different parts of clothing, could have different meanings. For example, the Orepei sign, depicted in the elbow area on women's clothing, denoted an ancestor. If he was depicted on the hem, then he was the entrance to the other world.
The ancient gods who rode in chariots were also symbolically depicted. They were harnessed to various animals that personified a specific deity.
Some Russian patterns (photo below) carried a certain code in their numerical repetition. So, the following numbers were important:
- three (Absolute, Trinity, time, space);
- four (cardinal directions, seasons);
- seven (symbol of harmony);
- twelve.
Such patterns and ornaments also reveal the attitude towards Mother Nature of our ancestors. With their images, they seemed to ask her for protection and patronage from various evils, troubles and misfortunes.
Where are Russian folk patterns used?
The use of patterns is quite varied. They are used in towels, napkins, for painting utensils, houses, and for carving wood and metal. In the old days, not a single object was left without a design.
Russian patterns (photos of them are in our review) are not only the beauty of an object, but also protection, a talisman for its owner. It is known that even before the advent of writing, people already depicted various symbols (diamonds, lines, dots) on utensils.
Differences in patterns in different regions
Each region of Russia has its own history of painting, embroidery, patterns and ornaments. Let's look at the Russian folk pattern (pictures of some will be presented below) for some types and areas:
- Gzhel painting - characterized by blue and white colors in the drawings that are made on ceramic and porcelain products;
- paintings, for which the village of Zhostovo is famous, on metal trays;
- Khokhloma painting with various patterns is very interesting; it is characterized by a golden color (there are also red, yellow and orange);
- in addition, in many regions they made their own special toys (Dymkovo, Kargopol, Stary Oskol), each of which had its own unique pattern in the painting;
- Pavlovo Posad shawls are also very famous, which are made in red and black colors, with floral patterns.
And these are not even all the known crafts where Russian folk patterns are used.
The most ancient patterns
The most ancient patterns include a set of various signs, which in ancient times had a special meaning and were simply not applied to any product. Each family had its own set of embroideries and paintings, which were passed down from generation to generation. They even have a special meaning for the family, being its own symbol. Of course, over time, knowledge was lost.
Ancient Russian patterns breathe mystery into us, the power of amulets, the meaning of every curl or sign.
Nowadays, many people collect similar images that make sense.
How to start drawing Russian folk patterns
Now people are increasingly turning to our ancestral heritage, wanting to revive lost traditions. For example, many people wonder how to draw a Russian pattern. Where to start?
First, you should understand that in Rus' there are many techniques of painting and embroidery, which have their own characteristics. For beginners, you need to take patterns that are not very complex, having a repeating pattern. This will make it easier to grasp its very essence.
Before drawing itself, you need to practice with its simple components: dots, lines, strokes, droplets, loops, etc. In fact, the most difficult pattern consists of the above details. From these simple forms, after some time of training, it will be possible to create more complex ones.
In order to understand how to draw a Russian pattern, you should not rush. Some forms may indeed seem complex, but you need to remember that they are all made up of simple ones. First, lay out the repeating pattern into details, start depicting it with the easiest and most basic ones, for example, a point. Gradually draw other shapes around it, and so at the very end you can get your finished pattern. Take a look at the photo below, which shows all the stages of drawing. And make sure that this process is not so complicated.
Thus, you can learn how to create ornaments and patterns yourself. In principle, you can take ready-made diagrams and then transfer them to the surface.
Using patterns on household items
Also, patterns and ornaments in ancient times were made on household items. For example, in Rus', a six-petalled rosette was depicted on salt shakers. This had symbolic meaning. This rosette represented the sun, and salt was considered associated with it. Also, her image was often found on spinning wheels, as a symbol of endless time.
In addition to the symbolic painting of utensils, there was also simply decorating the product. Of course, it did not appear immediately, but the technology was developed over the years.
It should be noted that some patterns, the patterns of which are quite complex, are still made by craftsmen. This is, for example, Khokhloma painting, which looks very beautiful and rich. However, its production is quite complex and multi-stage.
Using patterns in embroidery
Russian embroidery in Rus' traditionally not only decorates clothes, towels, bedspreads and other linen products, but is also a talisman. The interweaving of patterns is by no means random. All symbols are in their place.
In addition, the color of the thread that is used also matters in embroidery. Let's consider some points:
- an embroidered rooster or horse in red or black colors is suitable to protect the baby;
- for successful activities, embroidery should be done in blue or golden-green tones;
- woolen embroidery is suitable if there are already some energy holes; it is done in the area of a person’s chakras;
- flax is used for peace; it is used to embroider trees, birds, stars or the sun;
- for women, black color should be used in embroidery to protect against infertility;
- for men - green (protects from wounds), blue (protects from the elements).
In addition, symbols are also used in embroidery - a cross (barrier and protection from evil), a star (heavenly fire), a circle (denotes fertility, abundance and motherhood) and others.
Thus, Russian embroidery is a whole set of knowledge that our ancestors used in ancient times, protecting themselves, their relatives and their clan.
The use of patterns on clothing in the old days
Probably the most famous use of pattern and ornament is Even the most ignorant person in this matter will recognize this embroidery. True, colors and patterns again vary by region.
For example, the further south the area, the brighter the clothes people wore. This was due to the fact that previously the paint was of natural origin, and the warmer it was, the greater the variety in the possibilities of producing it.
If we talk about men's and women's clothing, then the first had almost no differences in the regions, except perhaps for preferences in color and pattern. But women's clothing was quite varied and significantly different.
And also embroidery of various animal figures was very popular in the northern part of Russia. But the southern ones had more colored embroidery (often red).
The use of Russian folk patterns in modern clothing
Russian folk patterns on clothes periodically return to fashion. Famous fashion designers produce collections with folk motifs (for example, in 1976, Russian Collection from Yves Saint Laurent).
In our time, Russian patterns have long been a priority among true connoisseurs. In addition to colorful traditional ones, bright floral (or other folk) prints are used. I remember the ancient patterns that craftswomen embroidered on clothes for their family and friends. You can also certainly order similar clothes for yourself if you wish.
Products that have long earned recognition both in quality and style (for example, Pavlovo Posad shawls) also remain popular.
Thus, the Russian pattern simply cannot go into oblivion. His influence on the people is undeniable, this is his legacy, and one day he will rightfully take his rightful place in the hearts of people. After all, ancient Russian patterns truly carry the harmony and beauty that was known to our ancestors. This is also our history, which should not be forgotten.
You can cross stitch not only a variety of pictures. Embroidered ornaments of different nations and various patterns amaze with their beauty. Cross stitch patterns and ornaments - the pattern can have different sizes. There are both small and large images.
Cross stitch patterns and ornaments on various themes can be found on household items and clothing. Patterns can be very diverse: various flowers, fruits, berries, insects, herbs, there is no limit to imagination.
Embroidery located along the edge is called a border, it can be:
- Monochrome – performed in one color scheme;
- Multicolor – has combinations of different colors;
- Narrow;
- Wide;
- Average.
Even a variety of shapes can serve as patterns. Ornaments for cross stitch have hidden meanings and indicate national affiliation. Russian ornaments consist of geometric shapes and straight stripes along the edge of the material or combine various patterns.
Belarusian ornaments are distinguished by red and white embroidery. Slavic ornaments carry the history of the peoples of Russia and Ukraine.
The colors in the ornament have their own meaning:
- The symbol of earth is black;
- The color of purity is white;
- The symbol of love is red;
- Blue is the color of health;
- Yellow is a symbol of wealth;
- The color of rebirth is green.
By the appearance of Slavic women, one could find out whether she was married, what wealth was in her family, and in what area she lived. Some ornaments can be found at exhibitions of national costumes.
Cross stitch pattern: Celtic patterns
The ornaments of the Celtic peoples are ancient symbols. Various intertwined patterns are connected into a single chain, reminiscent of a labyrinth. Ornaments that carry meaning are usually black and white; they are amulets that give goodness, health and fortitude. The secrets of some of them have never been solved. The cross stitch pattern for the ornament can be downloaded from the Internet by selecting free ones. To open embroidery in XSD format, you need an additional special program; you can watch a video tutorial to learn how to work with it.
Celtic designs are different:
- Celtic cross - bestows wisdom, saves from dark forces;
- Butterfly is a symbol of life, change;
- Heart - connects the union of loving hearts;
- Spirals are a symbol of eternity, infinity;
- The tree of life signifies parallel life;
- Trefoil – brings good luck.
A simple embroidered ornament will serve as a talisman. If you need to make a beautiful picture, then you can choose an 8x7 centimeter pattern with a Celtic motif and embroider it in any theme. Place the pattern as a separate symbol in the picture in black and white and combine it with the diagram of the image you like.
Various cross-stitch patterns embroidered on fabrics
The main purpose of embroidery is to decorate household items or clothing. It is better to embroider cross-stitch ornaments on natural fabrics, for example linen is ideal as a base. Ornaments are used to decorate towels, napkins, curtains, pillows, as well as items of clothing.
Various colors:
- Geometric patterns are used to design the works;
- It is better to decorate towels with multi-colored ornaments;
- It is better to decorate clothes with an openwork border;
- A pattern of intertwining various berries and herbs looks good on a tablecloth or napkin.
You can choose a colorful pattern with insects or animals and decorate children's clothes with it. Costumes for national holidays, decorated with ornaments, will not go unnoticed.
Geometric patterns of ornaments: cross stitch
Geometric cross stitch patterns are found in the national clothing of several nations. Towels for rituals are decorated with patterns, and designs are created from a combination of various figures. A narrow ornament is the repetition of groups of embroidery elements in a certain sequence.
Geometric folk ornament has:
- Points collected into one element;
- Various circular shapes;
- Lines of various breaks;
- Compositions from triangles;
- There are crosses in some details;
- Different sizes of rhombuses and squares.
Ribbon patterns are made in stripes along the edge or in the middle of the product, the surface is completely filled with a mesh pattern, and rosette patterns decorate the middle, separated into a rhombus or square. The main motif of geometric patterns is a rhombus with various weaves and division by diagonals. In fact, there are a huge variety of embroidery patterns for such ornaments. The color scheme plays a big role in embroidery.
Different republics have adopted their own color or combination of colors for embroidering ornaments. And the relationship between the figures of the ornament determines its belonging to different nations.
Unique cross stitch: patterns and ornaments, diagrams (video)
Studying the history of patterns and ornaments is very fascinating; very interesting embroideries and patterns allow you to create a unique work. It’s easy to decorate the canvases of various objects to suit every taste. Embroidery will bring great joy; you can do the work as a gift or decorate your favorite tablecloth with it.
Today we will talk about patterns and motifs that needlewomen use for cross stitch. I use them in different areas, embroidering individual small elements on clothes or filling large canvases for pillowcases or napkins with a cross. Let's talk about some types of patterns.
The very first cross stitch patterns originated in Ancient Rus'. Slavic motifs were embroidered on clothes, hats, towels and interior items. The characteristic design of Slavic patterns cannot be confused with anything else. It is still used to decorate suits, wedding tablecloths and towels. Slavic patterns are also used for embroidering Russian amulets, which are embroidered according to special patterns and have a strict meaning.
The basis for folk cross stitch is natural woven fabrics such as linen. You can embroider on it without pulling the threads, since the pattern of the interweaving of flax threads can serve as the basis for work. Usually, needlewomen embroider Slavic patterns using two threads.
For embroidery, floss threads are most often used, most often in four threads. Both matte and silk threads are used. Very often Slavic motifs suggest the presence of red. Embroidered birds, animals, and plants are also typical for folk embroidery.
Most of the patterns are embroidered using the full cross stitch technique; other stitches are also used for some elements of the pattern.
Geometric patterns
To design their work, embroiderers often use patterns with simple geometric patterns.
For embroidering towels and decorating towels, more complex and multi-colored patterns are used. They can be combined in different variations, obtaining a unique and combined pattern. Geometric patterns are also used in clothing and interior elements.
There are special patterns consisting of geometric shapes for embroidering pillowcases. If you choose bright color combinations for embroidering such a pattern, you will refresh the interior of any room.
If you are cross-stitching a geometric pattern in the form of a border or track, then you can choose a fabric with a coarse weave of thread. In this case, you can embroider without canvas.
Choose any cotton thread, the main thing is the excellent quality of the material. If you embroider on canvas No. 14, then the thread is folded in half, No. 11 - in three. And when embroidering on fabric, choose the embroidery step and thread thickness yourself experimentally.
Any small picture or card you embroider can be framed using a geometric pattern frame. It can be either narrow or wide, rectangular, round or oval. The diagram you use should be the same size as the main picture - the frame should not be too close to the picture and not too wide.
Almost all geometric patterns are embroidered with a full cross.
Floral patterns
Sometimes, to decorate a towel or embroider on clothes, you need a more openwork and colorful border than with a geometric pattern. In this case, the needlewoman embroiders floral patterns.
They can be either the simplest two-colored or complex and multi-colored. Of course, the more colors you use, the higher the complexity and painstakingness of the work.
The choice of embroidery base and thread thickness also depends on the pattern. For the simplest ornaments, you can use regular fabric and embroider in this case by counting the threads on the fabric. The cross is made on linen fabric using two or three threads, and the floss thread is made in three or four folds. It all depends on the thickness of the fabric.
A more complex pattern looks beautiful on a small canvas, for example No. 16 or 18. The thread is folded in half to make the pattern brighter. The most commonly used technique is a full cross, but depending on the level of complexity of the embroidery, other techniques can be used.
Sometimes a beautiful floral border is enough to decorate a pillowcase or napkin. An openwork branch curling along the edge looks gentle and elegant.
Floral ornament
Such an openwork branch can also be on a napkin, tablecloth or cushion cover. Or maybe on clothes, for example, on a woman’s blouse or a child’s shirt. There are very different patterns for cross stitch, divided by complexity and type of pattern. Two-color patterns are considered the easiest to embroider. Their design is simple, you won’t get confused in the colors, and it is embroidered quickly because the canvas used for it is large.
The floral pattern can be embroidered on canvas No. 11 or 14. The thread is used in two and three folds. For simple patterns, embroiderers use only a full cross; for more complex ones, partial cross techniques and connecting stitches for vine embroidery can be used.
The threads and fabric chosen are of natural origin; you can also embroider on silk fabrics, but in this case the design must be applied to the fabric in a printing house.
Children's pattern
Children's patterns are often used for children's paintings and embroidery of bed linen and curtains. The embroidery pattern can be anything: toys, pencils, items of clothing and shoes, pacifiers and bottles, bows, butterflies, hearts and many more different motifs.
Young mothers enjoy decorating children's things and embroidering pictures for the children's bedroom. You can also use children’s patterns to decorate a photo frame or embroider a card for your baby’s birthday.
Both the fabric and the threads that you use will depend on the embroidery patterns. It is advisable to choose several motifs for edging that are the same in height and width, so that they are combined together into a continuous round dance or a small train.
To design pictures, you can use a large canvas, not necessarily white. If you are not going to embroider the background, then choose a canvas in a color that matches the wallpaper or curtains of the children's room.
And for a children's card or towel, you can take natural linen and embroider a narrow canvas consisting of children's patterns.
Choose threads of a natural composition: matte or silk. You can choose from sets of Gamma threads, they include spools of threads of different colors and shades, 15-20 per set. The bright color and shimmer of the threads will make children's embroidery very expressive and festive.
Choose embroidery patterns that you like, embroider for yourself and for the joy of your loved ones. Give gifts to yourself or your loved ones; embroidered pleasant little things will preserve your energy and give joy to others.
Each nationality has its own individual expression of its culture. But absolutely all have their own original ornaments, symbols and patterns.
Geometric images - squares, rhombuses, triangles - are widespread in the art of Ancient Egypt
We are talking not only about traditional Slavic embroidery and weaving. Indians, African tribes, Celts - all have their own authentic culture, which has survived in the form of diagrams and symbols to this day.
Africa - rich colors and a variety of patterns that are very pleasing to the eye
Embroidery as a talisman
The art of embroidery is especially popular today.
Embroidery has long been loved in all corners of the world.
This is a real original decor.
Embroidery is a very interesting, although labor-intensive activity, which, like any creative activity, needs to be given full attention
With its help you can decorate not only clothes, but also home textiles and create unique accessories.
Embroidery is an important participant in creating space and creating an atmosphere in the house
Today, many craftswomen, when creating decor, regard the work only as creativity.
Interior items decorated with embroidery not only add individuality to the home, but also fill it with warmth
But our ancestors believed that embroidery, namely, each of its elements, is symbolic.
Among the many types of Russian folk art, embroidery has always occupied an important place
Entire paintings were not only decor, but were also valuable family amulet.
Over the course of several centuries, the Slavic people developed certain techniques for performing embroidery, the nature of the ornament and its coloring
The mother prepared the dowry for her daughter with her own hands. It was believed that by embroidering clothes, tablecloths or bedding, she endowed them with special properties that protected them from the evil eye, envious people, diseases and filth.
Bride's dowry chest
According to the ancient traditions of Russian weddings, the bride's dowry included many different things that began to be collected long before the wedding
Protective ornaments or patterns were not chosen by chance. Each individual color, combination of shades, symbols and interweaving in patterns had its own magical meaning, designed to protect against troubles and bring prosperity to the house. The location of the drawing was also considered important.
In the past, the size of the dowry largely determined the popularity of the bride
Today there are patterns that allow you to decorate interiors, accessories, jewelry, clothing, and create entire masterpieces using both cross-stitch and satin stitch techniques.
Modern products decorated with Ukrainian folk embroidery are beautiful and original.
Symbolism of images
Before choosing patterns, ornaments and patterns for embroidery, you should remember that this is not just decoration.
Patterns appeared simultaneously with the first shoots of art and culture
Each symbol and their combination carries one meaning or another. The most popular elements and combinations are as follows:
- Red and orange cross motifs protect love from betrayal.
- The symbol of a horse or rooster, woven into the ornament with black or red threads, provides protection to children from the evil eye.
- Symbolic patterns in combinations of blue and gold brought good luck in business.
- Black embroidery in Rus' helped young girls get pregnant. Another meaning is fertility and a generous harvest.
- Folk motifs in green are a symbol of spring, youth and femininity.
Collection of floral and geometric patterns for embroidery
There is a strict rule: amulet embroidery must be done without knots. This way she won’t break the connection with her carrier!
Embroidery “Home Charm”
It was believed that cross stitch absorbed prayer and became the strongest amulet for a person.
Embroidery “Amulet for a man”
Such needlework still carries a mystery today, since each of its elements also has a symbolic meaning:
- The cross is opposed to darkness, evil and darkness.
Cross - Svarga (bracelet) is a symbol of the Sun.
Svarga - Circle (wheel) - generous luck.
Circle - Ruzha (eight-pointed star) is a sign of life.
Ruzha - Rhombus (square) - a sown field.
Diamond pattern
- A tree is a symbol of long life.
The tree of Life These are not all the symbols and motifs that make up the ethno patterns and embroidery patterns. If they are present in an embroidered product, it means that it has great amulet power.
Patterns for embroidery and knitting
Today, in retail outlets, shops or on the vast Internet, you can find ready-made decor, as well as a variety of embroidery or knitting patterns to create the decor of something with your own hands. You can read about how to make embroidery with your own hands 
To perform embroidery you will need fabric for cross stitch, threads of the desired color, and a hoop. Before you begin, you should determine the number of cells in width and length, mark them with a pencil and prepare the outline. For convenience, you can mark it every 10 cells. Next, stretch the canvas onto the hoop and begin embroidery.
Pattern for embroidering a monochrome heart
Before embroidering, markings are made on the fabric 1 0x10 for convenience. Embroidery is done in two threads from top to bottom. No knots should be left; the edges of the thread are closed with stitches (crosses). The thread is fixed on the front side, the stitches can be vertical or horizontal. The scheme is as follows: first we perform the required number of diagonal stitches in one direction, and then move in the same way in the opposite direction. It is important to be careful on the wrong side, because the fabric is thin, and irregularities and blemishes can show through.
Pillow decorated with monochrome embroidery in the shape of a heart
- Norwegian ethnic jacquard . Such motifs in the ethnic style of knitting are basic.
Norwegian snowflake diagram
The lazy jacquard pattern is knitted. When knitting one row, threads of two or more colors are used. The pattern in the Scandinavian ethnic style is knitted using satin stitch, using counting patterns that illustrate the back and front sides. The front row is counted from right to left, the back row is counted from left to right. When knitting, the main and additional threads are used, so all the loops are not pulled together by broaches.
Using “lazy jacquard” you can create interesting things in an ethnic Scandinavian style.
Today you can find a variety of patterns for knitting or embroidery in ethnic style. Such a national ornament, geometric patterns or floral motifs can decorate any item of clothing or textile accessory in the interior. Authentic ethnic motifs are always beyond fashion trends. This is classic and creative in one bottle, originality and tribute to folk culture.
Jacquard without broaches
Cross-stitch