Olivia Storm

Hungarian cross stitch is a form of embroidery that dates back to the year 1000.  This unique style of cross stitching displays the authentic style of folk craft that has originated from Hungary and is so admired by many. The oldest embroidery relic from Hungary is a king's robe that dates back to the year 1000. This item is an extraordinary relic that is displayed in Budapest at the Hungarian National Museum.

The history of cross stitch and embroidery for Hungary started here and was influenced and transformed through out the middle ages into a fantastic form of needle craft that is enriched with distinct designs and brimming with Hungarian culture.

Cross stitch in Hungarian history was usually reserved for home décor and robes of the most established and financially secure in the region.  As the art of cross stitch and other forms of needle work progressed through the middle ages it became a profession that was high in demand.  It was a compliment to be considered a "good cross stitcher" and may well have earned your craft a place in the homes of noble men, lords and emperors.  

Cross stitch became more and more unique in Hungary as styles from Eastern and Western Europe were added by the various nuns and ladies that carried their hobby with them.  The most intricate of designs were saved for the homes and robes of emperors and knight's which would often signify their high rank with in the Hungarian society. 

Through out the early and middle ages there were many influences traveling through Hungary that changed the art of cross stitch.  The Byzantine and Gothic styles of needle work were among the first to influence Hungarian styles of cross stitch.  The middle ages and the 15^th century continued to bring influences from the Turkish and Italian Renaissance.

Soon to follow both of these styles came the merging of western and eastern needle point styles to create a type of Hungarian embroidery called "Urihimzes".  This new design of embroidery was popular in Hungary throughout the 16^th and 17^th centuries and was a combination of Turkish and Italian Renaissance styles.  The Italian style brought fine symmetry and floral motifs to this beautiful craft; as the Turkish influence brought asymmetrical designs, cypress flowers, crossing lines and simple floral designs.  Most of the Hungarian designs then and today consist of mostly primary colors; red, blue, green and yellow.

Through out all the history that is behind Hungarian cross stitch, they also are responsible for a unique addition to the type of cross stitch stitches that are available to add to your designs.  The Hungarian criss-cross stitch is unique and can add a new dimension to the art of your craft.  This stitch consists of three stitches in the same direction; quarter stitch, half stitch, quarter stitch with no opposing stitch to create the usual x.  When using this stitch each line of stitching is composed in opposite directions giving your piece a fluidly symmetrical look.

This stitch is also unique as it is embellished with surrounding quarter stitches to frame the area.  The Hungarian criss cross stitch can be decorated easily with an additional quarter stitch intersecting the center stitch, mini stitch, tent stitch or with various beads.  This is considered an intermediate level stitch and it should be practiced on a sampler before attempting to add to any other type of project.

The reason the Hungarian criss cross stitch is considered an intermediate level stitch is mainly because the surrounding stitches can be difficult to place, sometimes it is hard to determine where they should go depending on your design.

The Hungarian contributions to cross stitch and their eccentric patterns are great for home décor or to accent apparel.  The Hungarian style of cross stitch is considerably relaxed in its design as far as composition and stitching.  The original patterns are easily adaptable to easy to read counted patterns and can add an authentic and traditional Hungarian accent to any project.

As you experiment with your first Hungarian cross stitch projects you will see that there will often be additional instruction for stitches that are uncommon in most other forms of cross stitch as well as varied techniques.

All of these new elements are ways that will make your art stand out and offer you a new set of experiences and knowledge. It is always fun and satisfying to expand your abilities within any hobby but especially stitching as it will add new dimensions to your craft.