刺繍(ししゅう)

刺繍(ししゅう) refers to both the craft of embroidery and the embroidered design itself. The kanji 刺(し) means "to pierce" and 繍(しゅう) means "to embroider," reflecting the needlework process.

COMMON PATTERNS:

• 刺繍(ししゅう)する: to embroider
• 刺繍(ししゅう)を施(ほどこ)す: to add embroidery (slightly formal)
• 刺繍(ししゅう)を入(い)れる: to put in embroidery
• 刺繍糸(ししゅういと): embroidery thread
• 刺繍針(ししゅうばり): embroidery needle

TYPES:

• 日本刺繍(にほんししゅう): Japanese embroidery (uses silk thread on silk fabric)
• フランス刺繍(ししゅう): French embroidery
• クロスステッチ: cross-stitch
• 機械(きかい)刺繍(ししゅう): machine embroidery

刺繍(ししゅう) remains a popular hobby in Japan, often seen on 着物(きもの), bags, and handkerchiefs.