What Is Flame Stitch Fabric, And How Do You Incorporate It In Home Decor?

Classic patterns never really go out of style, but can definitely experience a sudden renewed interest every few decades. Flame-stitch fabric, which refers to this embroidery pattern's fire-like points, has long been a basic design element, with similar zig-zagging patterns appearing in ancient Greek and Egyptian paintings and textiles. Flame stitch fabric, as we know it today, represents a European melding of pointed embroidery with more straight stitching. It rose to popularity in the 17th century, but has remained a stylish pattern throughout the centuries. With the increase in more colorful and maximalist interiors in recent years, this popular design is back in the limelight, with flame stitch popping up all over the place in wallpaper, rugs, and fabric.

Flame stitched textiles can be a cool alternative to similar patterns like chevron and stripes if you are looking to add some visual interest with an always classic style. It can be adapted in terms of the colors used, the weaving and frequency of the pattern, and other qualities to fit effortlessly into today's interior, offering a unique sense of movement and interest.

Seventeenth-century Italian flame stitching combined traditional straight embroidery with a more pointed Hungarian-inspired stitch. This "point d'hongrie" stitching is believed to be the influence of a Hungarian princess who married into the famous and influential Medici family. The sharper points and zig-zag added more motion and variety to Italian textiles and appeared frequently on tapestries and upholstery fabric. Its influence eventually crept into the world of high fashion.

Also called "bargello," this distinctive pattern has a range of variations from simple zig-zagging to sharper and dramatic spikes. Flame stitch fabric may include only a couple of colors, or may involve multiple layers, thicknesses, and subtle shade differences in an array of colors. The points may be wider and more stretched in their intervals or smaller and more compact with more points. While originally an embroidered pattern, today's flame-pointed designs can also be printed directly on the fabric or painted on other non-textile pieces like vases, lamps, and bowls.

The variations in this fun pattern make it amenable to a number of design schemes, including spaces where upholstered furniture can easily reflect an old European aesthetic when combined with antique home décor. Or, the pattern can read more modern and geometric in contemporary or mid-century modern spaces. The effects of the zig-zag dimensions can visually manipulate a space, with a pointer or more vertically oriented design drawing the eyes upward to make your ceiling appear higher. More lengthy intervals between points can help visually elongate and widen the room to make your space seem bigger.

To bring flame stitch or flame stitch designs into your home in small doses, try adding it on an embroidered accent pillow, a piece of wall art, or a woven throw., It can also look stunning on lampshades or floor rugs. For a larger impact, flame stitch makes a beautiful pattern for wallpaper in more maximalist rooms. For more organic and neutral spaces, choose patterns in nature-drawn colors like greens, blues, and grays that can visually recall mountain ranges or evergreen tops. For a more funky and modern look, choose brighter colors and more frenetic intervals that look like radio waves.