Embroidery Design Classifications

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Our embroidery designs are categorized based on their form, layout, scope, and the specific embroidery techniques employed in their creation.

By Design Form and Embroidery Method

Traditional

These are designs that most often occur in nature. Organic design forms such as leaves, branches, flowers, animals, etc. are executed using freeform embroidery. To add texture, depth, and intricacy, organic designs are usually complemented by open interlaced thread work called calado.

Ethnic

These are geometric abstractions that represent ethnic motifs and patterns indigenous to a community or tribal culture. The designs predominantly use straight lines and plane shapes (polygons) that are executed using counted-thread embroidery.

Art Deco

These are geometric abstractions that follow the art style of the 1920s and 1930s which is known for the use of materials such as steel, chrome, or glass. The designs are characterized by repetitive geometric patterns of curves, lines and various shapes that are executed using freeform embroidery

By Design Style

Pechera

Pechera, derived from the Spanish word that means "shirt front," is a statement of plain simplicity with restrained embellishments. A typical pechera design has patterns on the front panel usually in a U, I, V, or diagonal form with or without scattered embellishments on the sleeve and back panels.

Pechera with Side Patterns

This is pechera (U or I form only) with a stripe pattern on both sides of the main pattern. We also refer to this style as front raya.

Raya

Raya, derived from the Spanish word that means "stripe," is a midway between extremes with moderate embellishments. The patterns in stripes are extended from the front to the sleeves and across the back panel.

Batok

Batok, derived from the Filipino word that means "nape," is also a midway between extremes with moderate embellishments. The patterns are extended to the front shoulders and across the upper back.

Batok with Sleeve Patterns

This is a variation of batok style in which the patterns are extended to the sleeves.

Special

This style is any design with a layout that doesn't follow any of our above-mentioned standard design styles. We have at least fifteen variations of this style in our design inventory.

Special Batok

A variation of special style in which the patterns are extended to the upper back.

All-Over Calado

All-Over Calado is a luxurious and intricate type of embroidery that can be applied to the entire front panel of a barong (called FRONT All-Over Calado) or to all parts of the barong, including the collar, placket, and cuffs (called FULL All-Over Calado). Calado is a type of open thread work that is done by hand, and it can be used to create a variety of intricate patterns that can enhance any design style.

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Barong Calado or Callado