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Artist’s Embroidered Portraits Use Thread Like Strokes of Inky Illustrations

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Argentinian embroidery artist Sol Kesseler creates detailed portraits with colorful thread and impressive needle work. Kesseler uses a variety of techniques that work together to create a distinctive style. Often starting from pencil drawings—which are impressive in their own right—Kesseler uses fine black thread to establish outlines, leaving much of the white fabric exposed to create high contrast portraits. She then adds textured details with colored threads and a variety of stitches.

Cross-hatched thread lines create the illusion of hand-drawn shading, while heavier yarns are used to create chunky textures. Kesseler incorporates thicker, more elaborate embroidery stitches to mimic wooly facial hair, cozy knitwear, colorful florals, and mountainous landscapes. Sometimes beads are even added as pretty details that achieve even more depth of color.

Kesseler holds embroidery workshops in her studio in Argentina, where you can learn to create your own textile art. You can also purchase Kesseler’s crafty creations on her website.

Embroidery artist Sol Kesseler creates detailed thread portraits that look hand-drawn.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

She uses fine, black thread to establish outlines and sketch-like details.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Elaborate stitches are used to add texture to clothing, facial hair, and backgrounds.

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

Embroidery Portraits by Bugambilo

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h/t: [Brown Paper Bag]

All images via Bugambilo.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
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