Vyshyvankas in the different regions of Ukraine have a number of distinctive features that took shape over many centuries.

Since ancient times craftswomen in every corner of our country created masterpieces in various styles, using techniques entirely unlike one another. Every region could be recognised by the particular ornaments and patterns worked on its clothing. The palette could also tell you where a piece came from.

A look into history

Researchers say the first embroidered pieces appeared on the territory of present-day Ukraine before our era. Mentions of this applied art can be found in the writings of Herodotus. Over time the various techniques were changed, refined and added to by needleworkers.

Today more than 100 ways of making a stitch are recognised. All of them differ, which makes it easy to pick out the particular features of vyshyvankas from the different oblasts of Ukraine.

Every woman put into a finished shirt not only her effort but a particular mystical and sacred meaning. Clothing like this served as a talisman. Every design had its own place.

The most popular symbols worked on the cloth are:

• geometric ornaments;
• botanical patterns;
• images of animals.

What the symbols on embroidered clothing mean

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We know an enormous number of patterns used to decorate embroidered shirts. But have you ever wondered what meaning our ancestors placed in these signs? Let us look at the main ones and what they stand for:

• the square stands for wellbeing, plenty and prosperity. Ukrainians regard it as a symbol of the fertile, nurturing earth;
• the diamond is one of the most popular figures in embroidery; it stands for the feminine and the masculine. Rushnyky for weddings were embroidered with such patterns;
• the circle carries the energy of the sun and can give strength if shown with rays;
• flowers stand for innocence, the prosperity of the family and purity;
• viburnum is a sign of a large, close family, where the bush is the mother and the berries her children;
• poppies help guard against the evil eye;
• the tree embodies beauty and youth.

It can be said that the culture of wearing a vyshyvanka took shape over more than one century. Our ancestors had several outfits for every day and for special occasions, and each was embroidered with particular symbols.

Regional particularities

The technique used by needleworkers in each region deserves attention. Let us look at some striking examples.

Simplicity and refinement are characteristic of pieces from the Volyn region. They usually show clear lines in red thread, and white cloth was the custom.

Craftspeople in Zakarpattia did not limit their talent to threads of a single shade. Most often they allowed themselves to combine red and black. The stitches were worked in zigzags.

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In the Zaporizhzhia region mainly reddish shades were used. Various plants and geometric figures were most often shown.

In the capital, diamonds, bunches of grapes and hops were preferred, worked in white, black and bright red.

Pieces from Vinnytsia stand out for their rich palette, though every piece always had one dominant colour. In their work women used every technique they knew. To bring a composition together, a stitch framing all the elements was used.

The «zanyzuvannia» method is characteristic of Zhytomyr: eight-pointed stars and winding lines were worked onto clothing. Shades of blue were often used.

Lviv shirts combined several ornaments. They stood out for their raised look. Most often these were diamond-shaped patterns.

In Mykolaiv and the surrounding area, shirts with an unusual neckline were found. In Odesa it was the custom to sew full gathered sleeves, and every image was worked in cross stitch.

What we offer

If you dream of adding a national costume to your wardrobe, take a look at what the «Vyshyvanochka.ua» online store offers. Our catalogue holds first-class classic designs and modern pieces at an affordable price. Our range is constantly updated. You will always find an interesting piece to your taste. Our pages hold our own collection and the finest pieces by well-known makers.

Customers who value their time and do not want to overpay decide to shop online. What is more, that way you can find the perfect piece at an attractive price wherever you live.

We wish you happy shopping!