The embroidery needle is a tool used for embroidery and sewing textiles, consisting of three parts: the needle tip, needle shaft, and needle tail. The needle tip is the part of the embroidery needle that pierces the fabric, the needle shaft connects the needle tip and needle tail, and the needle tail is the part held during embroidery. The size and shape of embroidery needles vary depending on the brand and purpose, but they are typically relatively thin and flexible to easily pass through small needle eyes during embroidery.
what is meaning of embroidery needle?
Embroidery needle has two meanings:
A needle specifically used for embroidery. It is shorter and finer than regular needles, making it suitable for delicate work.
A plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family, known as “虎刺” (hǔ cì) in Chinese, with the scientific name “Hedyotis hedyotidea.” It prefers fertile sandy or clayey soils and is distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, and other regions.
what are embroidery needle made of in china?
In ancient times, embroidery needles were made from materials such as bone, bamboo, and metal. Primitive humans could only create needles by grinding small bones or bamboo. Later, with the development of metallurgical techniques, people started using iron or other metals to make needles. “Tiangong Kaiwu” provides detailed records of the ancient methods and craftsmanship for making embroidery needles. Firstly, a block of iron was hammered into thin strips and then softened by heating. Using a mold with fine holes, the iron was drawn to create uniformly thick and fine iron wires. Next, one end was sharpened to form the needle tip, while the other end was hammered flat and a needle eye was drilled using a awl. At this point, the semi-finished embroidery needle was completed. Then, it was processed by frying it with materials like powdered soil and pine wood ash. Lastly, the needle was quenched through a heat treatment process. Thus, a qualified embroidery needle was finished.
The history of Chinese embroidery needle production is ancient and can be traced back to ancient times. In the past, people used embroidery needles for sewing garments, embroidery, and considered it an essential form of handicraft art. The production of embroidery needles typically involves twelve processes, using fine steel wire as raw material. These processes include drawing, straightening, cutting, sharpening, forming the needle tip, grinding the nose, heat treatment, polishing, threading, refining the needle tip, and polishing, among others. Steel needles are known for their durability, resistance to bending, and long lifespan, making them one of the commonly used tools in traditional Chinese hand embroidery.
In addition to steel needles, plastic needles and metal needles have also appeared on the market as other materials for embroidery. Plastic needles are popular due to their lightweight and rust-resistant properties but have a shorter lifespan. Metal needles, on the other hand, are favored by some embroiderers for their greater hardness and longer lifespan, but they require more careful handling to avoid damage.
In conclusion, Chinese embroidery needles, with their unique craftsmanship and exquisite skills, have become an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture.
what are embroidery needle to use for?
Embroidery needle is an exquisite small tool primarily used for threading thread or fine silk to carry out embroidery or manual sewing. Besides embroidery and sewing, the embroidery needle has many other applications.
Firstly, the embroidery needle can be used to test the strength and toughness of plant fibers. In botanical research, researchers often use embroidery needles to test the strength and toughness of plant fibers to understand the characteristics and properties of plants. By using the embroidery needle, researchers can determine the quality and range of applicability of plant fibers, thus better utilizing plant resources.
Secondly, the embroidery needle also finds extensive use in the medical field. It can be used for acupuncture and injections, helping to treat certain diseases and alleviate pain. For common ailments such as gout, rheumatism, and cough with phlegm, doctors can use acupuncture with the embroidery needle to achieve the effects of promoting meridian circulation, regulating Qi and blood, and balancing Yin and Yang.
Additionally, in daily life, some people use the embroidery needle for teeth cleaning, which is a very effective method. Compared to toothpicks, the embroidery needle can better reach into the gaps between teeth, removing dirt and bacteria from the tooth surface and promoting oral health.
In outdoor survival, the embroidery needle is also a vital tool. It can be used to sew tents and make fire starters, which are crucial for those surviving in the wild. In emergencies, the embroidery needle can also be used for wound suturing, helping to stop bleeding and protect the wound.
In conclusion, the embroidery needle is a highly practical and versatile tool, holding a significant position in traditional Chinese culture. Although more advanced tools and technologies have emerged in modern society, the embroidery needle still has extensive applications, bringing many conveniences to people’s lives and work.
what size of embroidery needle?
Embroidery needle sizes are typically indicated by needle numbers, where a smaller number represents a finer needle, and a larger number represents a coarser needle. Common embroidery needle sizes range from 0 to 16, with 0 being the finest and 16 being the coarsest. While sizes may vary slightly among different brands and types of embroidery needles, they generally follow a similar needle number standard. When choosing an embroidery needle, it is important to select the appropriate needle number based on the type of embroidery or manual sewing, the material being used, and the density of the fabric to ensure smooth, precise, and safe stitching.
hand embroidery needle types
There are several types of embroidery needle techniques:
Random Stitch: This technique transforms traditional hand embroidery into computerized machine embroidery, enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the design and providing a visually striking impact to the viewer.
Straight Stitch: The entire design is stitched using vertical lines, with the needle entering and exiting along the edges, creating parallel and neat lines. Each unit is stitched with a single color thread, without any blending of colors. Longer stitches are reinforced by adding extra stitches, which later evolved into the technique of “laid work.”
Purl Stitch: This technique is used to depict curved forms and includes four variations: cutting stitch, couching stitch, rolling stitch, and twisting stitch. Among them, the cutting stitch is the oldest and later evolved into the twisting stitch.
Overlay Stitch: Originating from the Tang Dynasty and prevalent during the Song Dynasty, this technique was further developed during the Ming Dynasty by the Gu embroidery of Luxiangyuan and the Shen embroidery of the Qing Dynasty.
Souban Stitch: Also known as long and short stitch, this technique involves using alternating long and short stitches. The later stitch extends from the middle of the previous stitch, resulting in uneven edges. It is used for creating realistic images.
Plucking Stitch: Also known as “qiang stitch” or “fighting stitch,” this technique involves using short straight stitches in succession to form the design. Each stitch follows the previous one, creating layers of stitches. It can be considered a development of the straight stitch.
Flat Stitch: Used to embroider flat patterns, this technique is commonly employed for creating colorful embroideries.
These are the various types of embroidery needle techniques. The specific choice of technique depends on the type of embroidery or manual sewing being performed, as well as the materials and fabric density, to ensure smooth, precise, and safe stitching.
what does an embroidery needle look like?
Embroidery needle is a type of needle used for embroidery and hand sewing, typically made from fine and slender steel wire, with a sharp pointed end and a needle eye at the tail. The appearance of embroidery needles may vary depending on the brand and type, but they generally share some common features. For example, there is usually a small hole at the needle eye to pass through threads or cords, and the tail often has a slanted or flat surface for easy gripping and stitching. Different types of embroidery needles may have specific designs and functions. For instance, some needles may have larger needle eyes to accommodate thicker threads or cords; some may have sharper needle tips for piercing through fabric more effectively; and some may have longer lengths for embroidering in dark or confined spaces. In summary, the style and features of embroidery needles may vary based on different usage needs and environments.
how to use embroidery needle?
Using an embroidery needle for embroidery or hand sewing involves the following steps:
Prepare the needle and thread: Choose a suitable embroidery needle and thread. The size and type of the embroidery needle should be selected based on the type, material, and density of the embroidery or hand sewing. The thread should be chosen according to the color and purpose of the embroidery or sewing.
Make a knot: Tie a knot at the end of the thread to secure it to the needle, so that stitching can begin.
Thread the needle: Insert the thread through the needle’s eye, bringing the needle up from the back of the knot.
Embroider or sew: With the needle’s sharp tip, pierce the surface of the embroidery fabric or item and pull the thread through to create the desired pattern or stitch. Steady hands and proper needle angles are important for achieving precision and aesthetics in the embroidery work.
Finish with a knot: When the stitching is complete, tie another knot to secure the thread, and then pull the needle out from the back of the fabric or item to complete the embroidery or hand sewing.
In conclusion, using an embroidery needle requires a series of steps and techniques, which need to be practiced and mastered to perform more complex embroidery and hand sewing tasks.
how does embroidery needle work?
The embroidery needle is an essential tool in embroidery and hand sewing, working by piercing the surface of the fabric or item and pulling the thread through to create the desired pattern or stitches. The sharp tip of the embroidery needle easily penetrates the fabric or item, while the eye at the tail allows the thread or cord to pass through, enabling the embroiderer to gradually complete intricate embroidery or hand sewing.
Embroidery needles come in various types and styles, with different needle shapes and sizes suitable for different materials and techniques. For example, fine needles are suitable for delicate embroidery, while thicker needles are appropriate for heavy fabrics or coarse threads. Additionally, different stitching techniques and skills can create various effects and styles, such as flat stitching, random stitching, straight stitching, and circular stitching.
When using the embroidery needle for embroidery or hand sewing, it is essential to master basic techniques and skills. Firstly, one needs to select the appropriate embroidery needle and thread, and make necessary knots as required. Next, maintaining stable hands and the right needle angle is crucial to ensure precision and aesthetics in the embroidered work. During embroidery, one needs to meticulously stitch according to the pre-designed pattern or lines, paying attention to the thread’s color and purpose. Finally, the work is finished by knotting and pulling the needle out from the back of the fabric or item.
In conclusion, the embroidery needle’s working principle involves piercing the fabric or item’s surface and pulling the thread through to create the desired pattern or stitches, making it an indispensable tool in embroidery and hand sewing. When using the embroidery needle, it is important to master basic techniques and skills, choose the appropriate needle and thread, maintain stable hands and needle angle, and stitch meticulously according to the pre-designed pattern or lines while considering the thread’s color and purpose. Through continuous practice and exploration, one can create more exquisite embroidery and hand sewing pieces.
what e does mbroidery needle symbolizes?
The embroidery needle is a delicate and small tool, commonly used for embroidery and hand sewing. It features a sharp needle tip and a small needle eye, allowing the thread or cord to pass through the eye to create the desired patterns or lines. The symbolism and significance of the embroidery needle vary depending on the region and cultural background, but it is consistently closely associated with femininity, emotions, and the continuity of life.
In some places, the embroidery needle is considered part of a bride’s dowry, symbolizing a woman’s craftsmanship and sense of family responsibility. In embroidery, the needle symbolizes a woman’s gentleness and meticulousness, serving as a means of expressing love and emotions. For instance, in traditional Chinese weddings, the bride often brings her embroidered works as part of her dowry, showcasing her craftsmanship and sense of family responsibility.
Furthermore, the embroidery needle symbolizes the continuity and growth of life, as embroidery is commonly used to make baby clothing and items, signifying blessings and expectations for newborns. In many cultures, blue needles represent boys, while pink needles represent girls, symbolizing that the arrival of a newborn will bring happiness and hope to the family.
In modern society, the use of embroidery needles has gradually declined as machine-manufactured items have replaced many handmade products. However, embroidery and hand sewing remain forms of art and craftsmanship, and many people still enjoy using embroidery needles to create their own handicrafts or gifts.
In conclusion, the symbolism and significance of the embroidery needle vary with cultural backgrounds, but it consistently remains closely associated with femininity, emotions, and the continuity of life. In embroidery and hand sewing, the embroidery needle is an essential tool, representing a woman’s gentleness and meticulousness, and also symbolizing the continuity and growth of life.
embroidery needle history?
The stone needle is a creation of human beings during the Neolithic period. According to the records in “Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine)”, stone needles were used in ancient times for external treatments. As iron casting was not achieved in ancient times, stones were used as needles, hence the name “needle stone.” The stone needle was an invention of the ethnic groups engaged in fishing along the eastern coastal areas. These people lived by the sea, consumed fish, and favored saltiness, thus their environment and diet influenced their physical appearance and health conditions. They had a dark complexion with sparse skin texture and were prone to suffering from abscesses. The stone needle was employed for treating such conditions. Therefore, the stone needle also originated from the east.
In subsequent archaeological excavations, stone needles have been unearthed. For example, in 1963, a ground stone needle was discovered at the Xindong site in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The needle was 4.5 centimeters long with one end being a sharp edge shaped like a four-sided pyramid for bloodletting, and the other end had a cutting edge with a rectangular cross-section for opening abscesses. With the advent of metal needles, the use of stone needles and needle acupuncture gradually separated, and the stone needle developed into an independent therapy known as “Bian shu” (the art of using stone needles for treatment) and became one of the six major medical techniques in traditional Chinese medicine.
Bone needles appeared as early as stone needles. The earliest bone needle found in China was unearthed in the Peking Man site dating back 18,000 years. The bone needle was approximately 8.2 centimeters long, slightly curved, with a diameter of 3.3 millimeters at the thickest part, and a sharp tip with an eye at the tail end. Whether it had any records of needle acupuncture remains unknown. In the Dadunzi site of Pizhou, Jiangsu Province, belonging to the Dawenkou culture, eight bone needles were discovered, six of which were placed inside a turtle shell. Experts speculate that these bone needles and bone awls were medical instruments used by ancient witch doctors.
In addition to stone and bone needles, there were also grass and wood needles, as well as pottery needles. The ancient character “针 (needle)” was sometimes written as “箴,” which was explained in the “Shuowen Jiezi” as “decorative stitching for clothes,” consisting of “竹 (bamboo)” and “咸 (sound).” The ancient character “草 (grass)” also had an interpretation as “刺针 (stabbing needle).” Grass and wood needles were easily obtainable, and it is speculated that their application might predate that of stone needles. However, due to their susceptibility to decay, they are difficult to preserve. In archaeological sites from the Neolithic period, pottery needles have also been unearthed.
The appearance of metal tools marked the end of the Stone Age. “In ancient times, stones were used as needles, and in the last years, iron replaced stones.” With the replacement of primitive needles by metal ones, needle acupuncture techniques underwent significant changes. Metal tools in China originated during the Bronze Age. Bronze is an alloy of copper, tin, lead, etc., with a melting point between 700°C to 900°C, lower than that of red copper but 4.7 times harder. Compared to stone needles, bronze needles were sharper, more durable, and more widely used. In 1978, a bronze needle was discovered in Shulinzhao Commune, Dalate Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It was dated from the Warring States Period to the Western Han Dynasty. The needle was 4.6 centimeters long, one end had a sharp edge shaped like a four-sided pyramid, and the other end had a flat curve for cutting abscesses or bloodletting.
In fact, for a long time after the appearance of metal needles, stone and metal needles were used together. By the Warring States Period, iron-smelting technology became more widespread, and iron needles started to appear. However, iron needles were prone to rusting and had certain limitations: “Iron needles… soft iron is mature iron and toxic. So, when used with horses, it becomes non-toxic.” Among later metal needles were gold and silver needles. Gold and silver needles performed better than bronze and iron needles, but their costs were high: “Gold needles are precious. ‘Gold’ is a general term, including copper, iron, gold, and silver. Gold needles are preferred if available.” In 1968, four gold needles and five silver needles were unearthed from the tomb of King Jing of Zhongshan in Mancang County, Hebei Province. These needles were approximately 6.5 to 6.9 centimeters long, and the top of the needle body had a square column-shaped handle slightly thicker than the needle body, with a small hole in the handle. According to expert research, these gold and silver needles were similar in form to the “nine needles” described in “Neijing Ling Shu Nine Needles and Twelve Original Acupoints,” and they could be confirmed as early acupuncture needles.
The quality of needles is directly related to the needle-making technology. Yang Jizhou, a Ming dynasty medical expert, detailed the needle-making process in his work “Zhu Zhen Da Cheng – Zha Zhen Fa” (The Complete Works of Acupuncture and Moxibustion – The Method of Boiling Needles): “First, the iron wire is heated until it turns red, then cut into lengths, which can be two inches, three inches, or five inches, with no fixed length. Next, apply toad venom (the secretion of the parotid gland of toads, a white milky liquid that is toxic and used in medicine) to the needle and heat it gently in a fire without making it red. Take it out and repeat the process three times, inserting it into the wax skin, with the head inside and the handle outside. Boil the herbs in three bowls of water, then place the needle inside and boil until the water dries up. Pour the water into a basin and let it cool. Take out the needle. Stick it into yellow earth more than a hundred times, and when the color is bright, it will be excellent, thus removing the fire poison. Wrap the needle with copper wire. The needle tip must be ground round and not pointed.”
Moreover, in the period after metal needles emerged, there was a time when stone and metal needles were used interchangeably. By the Warring States period, iron smelting technology was gradually becoming widespread, and iron needles began to appear. However, iron needles were prone to rust and had certain limitations: “Iron needles… soft iron is mature iron and toxic. So, when used with horses, it becomes non-toxic.” In later metal needles, there were also gold needles and silver needles. Gold and silver needles performed better than bronze and iron needles, but their costs were high: “Gold needles are precious. ‘Gold’ is a general term, including copper, iron, gold, and silver. Gold needles are preferred if available.” In 1968, four gold needles and five silver needles were unearthed from the tomb of King Jing of Zhongshan in Mancang County, Hebei Province. These needles were approximately 6.5 to 6.9 centimeters long, and the top of the needle body had a square column-shaped handle slightly thicker than the needle body, with a small hole in the handle. According to expert research, these gold and silver needles were similar in form to the “nine needles” described in “Neijing Ling Shu Nine Needles and Twelve Original Acupoints,” and they could be confirmed as early acupuncture needles.
The quality of needles is directly related to the needle-making technology. Yang Jizhou, a medical expert from the Ming dynasty, provided a detailed account of the ancient needle-making process in his work “Zhu Zhen Da Cheng – Zha Zhen Fa” (The Complete Works of Acupuncture and Moxibustion – The Method of Boiling Needles): “First, the iron wire is heated until it turns red, then cut into lengths, which can be two inches, three inches, or five inches, with no fixed length. Next, apply toad venom (the secretion of the parotid gland of toads, a white milky liquid that is toxic and used in medicine) to the needle and heat it gently in a fire without making it red. Take it out and repeat the process three times, inserting it into the wax skin, with the head inside and the handle outside. Boil the herbs in three bowls of water, then place the needle inside and boil until the water dries up. Pour the water into a basin and let it cool. Take out the needle. Stick it into yellow earth more than a hundred times, and when the color is bright, it will be excellent, thus removing the fire poison. Wrap the needle with copper wire. The needle tip must be ground round and not pointed.”
As metal needles advanced, needle acupuncture techniques and therapies continued to develop. The discovery and development of metal needles represented a major milestone in the history of acupuncture and had a profound impact on the practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
“As long as one applies great effort, an iron rod can be ground down into a needle.” Did ancient people really make needles this way?
Believe it or not, ancient people did indeed start making needles from large blocks of iron. In the Ming Dynasty, a person named Song Yingxing from Fengxin, Jiangxi, documented the method of making needles in his book “Tiangong Kaiwu” (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature): First, a block of iron was hammered into thin strips, and then a metal ruler with small holes was used to pull the iron strips through the holes with force. This process transformed the iron strips into uniformly thick and fine iron wires. The iron wires were then cut into inch-long pieces, one end was filed to form a sharp point, while the other end was hammered flat. A hole was drilled into the flattened end to form the needle eye, which was then polished flat, and thus the preliminary form of the needle was achieved. The next step was intriguing – these semi-finished needles were placed in a pot and cooked slowly over low heat, much like cooking a meal. After cooking, they were added with “seasonings” – powdered soil, pine wood ash, and soybean chunks in significant quantities, enough to cover the needles. The pot was then steamed, and during steaming, two or three needle tips were left outside. When these tips could be easily crushed by hand, the cooking process was complete, and the pot could be taken off the fire. After being removed from the pot, the needles still had to undergo the final process – quenching. This step was crucial as it determined the hardness or softness of the needles.
In later acupuncture practice, the most widely used were the “nine needles,” among which the “fine needle” (also known as “hao needle”) was one of them.
The “nine needles” are a general term for nine types of needle tools, including Chan (chan) needle, Yuan needle, Ti (ti) needle, Feng needle, Pi (pi) needle, Li needle, Hao needle, Chang needle, and Da needle. The concept of “nine needles” originated from “Neijing” (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine), where it was attributed to the people of the southern regions: “The people in the southern regions… love sour food and consume vinegary stews, which is why their complexion appears ruddy due to improved blood circulation. They are susceptible to cramps and stiffness, and their treatment requires the use of fine needles. Thus, the ‘nine needles’ also came from the southern regions.” According to the records in “Neijing Ling Shu,” the “nine needles” varied in shape and length, corresponding to different ailments. For instance, the Chan needle was “modeled after a chin needle, cutting off its end by half a cun, and then sharpening it. Its length is one cun and six fen, and it mainly treats heat symptoms in the head and body.” Similarly, the Da needle was “modeled after a Feng needle, with a slightly rounded edge and a length of four cun. It mainly treats disorders caused by the blockage of vital energy in the joints.” Therefore, “Neijing Ling Shu” stated: “Each of the ‘nine needles’ has its specific functions. They come in various lengths and sizes, and their applications are diverse. If they are not used correctly, the disease may not be cured. When a shallow disease is treated with deep needles, it can harm the good tissues, causing skin abscesses. When a deep disease is treated with shallow needles, the disease will not be alleviated, leading to the formation of deep abscesses.” Moreover, later medical practitioners also created rhymes for each of the “nine needles” based on their shapes. For example, the “Chan Needle Treatment Law Rhyme” goes: “The Chan needle is similar to an arrowhead, mainly used for needling the skin and removing evil qi from the flesh. Do not let it penetrate deeply to drain yang energy. It is used to reconcile the interaction of evil and righteous qi.”
The fine needle, also known as the “hao needle,” is one of the “nine needles.” Its name is derived from the fine hairs (“hao mao”) of animals, with a length of one cun and six fen, primarily used for treating pain, cold, and heat conditions along the meridians. The structure of the fine needle can be divided into five parts: the needle tip, the needle shaft, the needle root, the needle handle, and the needle tail. The sharp front part of the needle is called the needle tip, also known as the “needle awn”; the part between the needle tip and the needle handle is called the “needle shaft”; the part connecting the needle body to the needle handle is called the “needle root”; the end of the needle handle, wrapped with copper wire or aluminum wire in a spiral shape, is called the “needle handle”; the end of the needle handle is also wrapped with copper wire or aluminum wire in a cylindrical shape, providing a place to insert moxa wool, known as the “needle tail.” Based on the different shapes of the needle tail and the needle handle, the fine needle can be further divided into four types: ring handle needle (loop handle needle), flower handle needle (dragon pattern needle), flat handle needle (flat-headed needle), and tube handle needle.
Modern fine needles have their origins in ancient times, but compared to ancient fine needles, both the materials and shapes of modern needles have undergone significant changes. In terms of materials, modern fine needles are generally made of stainless steel, which is harder, more elastic, less deformable, and sharper than the materials used in ancient times. As a result, they are widely used in acupuncture practice. In addition to stainless steel, there are also fine needles made of gold, silver, and alloys. Fine needles are classified based on the length and thickness of the needle shaft. The length of the needle shaft can vary from 15 millimeters to 125 millimeters, while the diameter can range from thicker needles like 26 gauge (0.45 millimeters) to thinner needles like 35 gauge (0.22 millimeters). Generally, short needles are used for ear acupuncture and superficial needling, while long needles are used for deep needling.
who invented embroidery needle?
The inventor of the embroidery needle is not clearly recorded in history and is subject to various legends and stories.
One of the legends is about a woman named Chunyu Yan. It is said that during the Wei Dynasty, she was the wife of a worker in a weaving workshop. In order to assist her husband in completing the weaving tasks, she attempted to invent a needle that could thread more easily. After numerous attempts, she eventually invented the embroidery needle and became a respected figure in the weaving workshop.
Another legend is about a woman named Matou Niang. It is said that she was filial to her mother and worked diligently every day to weave the best silk for her. To thread more quickly, she began to invent a smaller and more delicate needle. After multiple attempts, she successfully invented the embroidery needle and became a legendary figure in the weaving workshop.
Regardless of which legend is accurate, the inventor of the embroidery needle was undoubtedly a very intelligent and hardworking woman. Through their efforts and ingenuity, they invented a new tool that made weaving and sewing easier and more efficient. This invention not only had significant implications for the development of women’s handicrafts but also made a tremendous contribution to the advancement of ancient Chinese textile industry.
when invented embroidery needle?
The embroidery needle is one of the ancient inventions in China, gradually developed along with the advancement of Chinese textile industry. During the late Neolithic period to the early slave society of China’s clan society, the technology of needle-making had already appeared and developed. In the Zhou Dynasty, the invention of chopsticks also promoted the development of dining culture, which further advanced the needle-making technology. In the Han Dynasty, the Chinese invented the embroidery needle, which made embroidery more delicate and beautiful.
The invention of the embroidery needle was not attributed to a single individual, but rather evolved over multiple stages from the late Neolithic period to the Han Dynasty, gradually forming the modern form of the embroidery needle. This invention had significant implications for the development of women’s handicrafts and made significant contributions to the advancement of ancient Chinese textile industry.
As time passed, the form of embroidery needles also underwent continuous changes. In ancient times, embroidery needles were made from materials such as bones, bamboo, and metal. Initially, primitive humans could only use ground bones or bamboo to make needles. However, with the development of metallurgy, people began to use iron or other metals to produce needles. In China, according to the record in “Tiangong Kaiwu,” the ancient method of making embroidery needles involved hammering a block of iron into thin strips, heating it until it softened, and pulling it through a mold with small holes to create evenly sized iron wires. Subsequently, one end of the wire was sharpened to form the needle tip, while the other end was flattened using a hammer. A needle eye was created by drilling with a cone, and thus the semi-finished embroidery needle was completed. The final steps involved frying the needle with substances like soil, sawdust, and soybeans, followed by quenching, resulting in a qualified embroidery needle.
In conclusion, the invention of the embroidery needle can be traced back to ancient times, but the specific time and inventor are not clearly recorded in history. Regardless of the legends, the inventors of the embroidery needle were undoubtedly very intelligent and diligent individuals. Through their efforts and ingenuity, they invented a new tool that made weaving and sewing easier and more efficient. This invention not only had significant implications for the development of women’s handicrafts but also made a tremendous contribution to the advancement of ancient Chinese textile industry.
embroidery needle in feng shui
In traditional culture, the needle is considered a mysterious object that represents precision, accuracy in thoughts, and the ability to reveal the truth. It is slender and soft, symbolizing persistence in quality. Additionally, the needle also represents courage and confidence as it requires skill and experience to use effectively.
Feng Shui Efficacy and Application of the Needle
Dispelling Malevolent Spirits: The needle is a powerful positive energy item that can counteract negative energies in a house. Using needles can resolve malevolent spirits in a house, promote the circulation of positive energy, and create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. Method: Place red or golden needles in the corners, beams, and pillars of the room.
Attracting Wealth: Needles can bring about the effect of accumulating wealth, and placing some yellow or orange needles can help increase family wealth. Method: Place yellow or orange needles in important storage cabinets, safes, or other places where wealth is stored.
Attracting Noble People: Needles can strengthen a person’s aura, thereby attracting the help and support of noble people. Method: Place purple or blue needles in the family living room or office to enhance the aura and attract noble people.
Warding Off Troublemakers: Needles have the effect of warding off evil, preventing troubles caused by mischief-makers, and halting the spread of rumors. Method: Place black or silver needles near household doors and windows to prevent mischief-makers and fractures.
Precautions for Using Needles
Choose needles that are slender, soft, shiny, and smooth, avoiding damaged, broken, or rusted needles.
Disinfect the needle with fire and wipe it several times with red cloth before use to enhance the mysteriousness of the needle.
Before inserting the needle, accurately investigate the Feng Shui conditions of the house and select suitable positions and colors.
embroidery needle dream meaning
Dream Interpretations of Embroidery Needle:
- If a woman dreams of an embroidery needle, it signifies that her life will be abundant, prosperous, peaceful, and harmonious.
- If a man dreams of an embroidery needle, it suggests that he may experience financial difficulties and economic hardships.
- Dreaming of a rusty embroidery needle indicates that life may encounter hardships or incurable illnesses.
- Dreaming of giving someone else an embroidery needle suggests that the dreamer has the ability to handle problems and can help others with their issues.
- Dreaming of a broken embroidery needle indicates that the dreamer may face setbacks in their livelihood, potentially losing a job or facing obstacles in their career.
- Dreaming of being pricked by an embroidery needle suggests that the dreamer may face unexpected attacks or opposition from rivals, indicating the need to be vigilant and cautious.
Summary
In conclusion, the embroidery needle, as an ancient tool, may no longer be a necessity in modern society, but it still holds unique cultural and practical value. Moreover, with the passage of time, its usage and production may further evolve and innovate.
