Brilliant Embroidery Uses Thread to Mimic Luscious Hair Flowing Off the Hoop

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

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From thread painting to “floating” textile motifs, the boundaries of embroidery are being pushed and blurred more and more by contemporary textile artists. Bernita Broderie is helping to enhance this wave of contemporary embroidery art with her brilliant use of cotton threads. She uses the common fibers to render three-dimensional hairstyles that cascade from embroidery hoops in wonderfully unexpected ways.

The French crafter’s hand-stitched designs are made using various hair-colored yarns stitched into raw cotton fabric. Broderie renders the silhouettes of her female figures in simple embroidered line work, while letting her subjects’ hair be the focal point of her designs. From elegant updos and flowing waves to ponytails and tightly-wound curls, there’s no hairstyle that Broderie can’t stitch. Many designs highlight decorative accessories—such as embroidered flowers—while others feature textile strands of different shades, mimicking natural locks.

This focus on detail has been a staple of her life. Ever since childhood, Broderie has enjoyed artistic processes that take time, patience, and dedication. Her 3D embroidery work is testament to that, having now mastered the skill after starting out just over a year ago. “I deeply enjoy working with fabrics, needle and threads,” she reveals. “I can't sleep at nights without creating something new. My artworks are the output of hours of embroidery and patience.”

You can see more of Broderie’s embroidered hair designs on Instagram and purchase her work on Etsy.

Textile artist Bernita Broderie uses cotton threads to render three-dimensional hair styles that cascade from the embroidery hoops.

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

Many 3D embroidery designs feature decorative accessories, such as embroidered flowers and beads.

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

Others feature strands of different shades, mimicking natural locks.

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

3D Embroidery Hairstyles by Bernita Broderie

Bernita Broderie: Facebook | Instagram | Etsy

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Bernita Broderie.

Related Articles:

Ultimate Guide to Embroidery: How It Started and How You Can Get Started Today

Ingenious Hand-Embroidery Uses Cascading Thread to Mimic Flowing Hair

3D Embroidery of Floral Females With Hair and Dresses Flowing Off the Hoop

10+ Most Popular Embroidery Stitches You Can Learn for Free on YouTube

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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