Embroidery of Icons

Embroidery of icons is practiced for many centuries. Embroidered icons were covered up with rich flats, finished with beads, pearls and gems. The icon, made in the technique of face sewing, or embroidered icon, a kind of which are medallions, are used in the manufacture of braids and choruvi. Embroidered icons are widely used not only in temples, but also for home, house, home iconostasis, temples and churches. The size of an embroidered icon can be different. For small rooms can be made embroidered icons small size - mini icons, and then home, house, home iconostasis, temples, churches become mini iconostasis, mini temples, mini churches. Embroidery of icons in our time is becoming more and more common among Orthodox believers who want to join this fascinating and has a long tradition, and many embroidery icons choose their craft, although it should be said that the embroidery of icons is difficult, and requires a master not only knowledge of the canons, the ability to hold the needle in hand and work with the material, but also great patience. Those who master this skill and overcome the first fears and failures embroidery icon will give the joy of creativity and recognition of connoisseurs of beauty.

Is it a sin to embroider icons?


Protoiereus Alexander Saltykov said:

I don't see anything wrong with a needlewoman embroidering an icon image if there's no bad intent. 
But I think she should get the blessing of a priest for her work. If the job is good, let the needlewoman do the embroidery.
Maybe this embroidery will be the first step to what the craftswoman decides to learn more about church art, about the icon and the image depicted on it, then the iconography. Maybe she will want - and this is the main thing - to go deeper into spiritual life.
And mistakes - who doesn't make them?
Another thing is that when selling icons for embroidery, it is still necessary to adhere to godliness and put them separately from the "common products", moreover, there should be no obscenities nearby.
Embroidered priest's vestments

How to Embroider Icons

Embroidery of icons and paintings of religious subjects - a special theme in needlework.  For a long time icons were embroidered with threads and beads, decorated in luxurious flats with pearls, stones and beads. And now the interest and desire to embroider icons does not cease with the masters, but many are stopped by ignorance of the rules of embroidery icons that exist in the Orthodox embroidery and which we recommend to adhere to. Choosing from a wide variety of sets of icons for embroidery the one you like, before you start embroidering, read these rules. And then an embroidered icon will bring joy to you and your loved ones, will be a guardian for your home and family.

Start embroidering the icon on the new moon (find out the nearest date in the lunar calendar).
While working on the icon, try to adhere to a bad fast (do not smoke, drink alcohol, curse or swear).
Before beginning embroidery, read the prayer "Before the beginning of any work" (the text of the prayer is included in our sets).  
Do not take on work during a quarrel, family troubles, in a state of spiritual anger, resentment, envy. 
Girls and women in critical days are not supposed to touch the embroidery icon. 
The embroidered icon will be sanctified in the church or temple. It is after the consecration of the icon will be the guardian of your hearth, a guardian for the person in whose gift you embroider it.
Try not to buy sets with embroidered face and hands of a saint - it is believed that you can not touch the sacred face with a needle.
It is highly recommended to embroider icons for pregnant women. It is believed that during the embroidery of the future mommy cleansed spiritually, and without noticing it, stimulates the work of his body with his movements of hands. It is known that when embroidered icons women who can not have children, cured of infertility, gave birth to healthy babies. 
Selling embroidered paintings the church does not allow. This above insight and spirit have no price. 
Each of us has his own guardian angel and his own icon of the intercessor, which is given from birth. Send your icon, pray to her, ask the Lord for healing through her, and it is sure to be.

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