I started exploring Marash embroidery in September of 2020. Instead of focusing on my classes, I spent many Zoom lectures trying to understand exactly how the different layers of stitching fit together. Marash embroidery looks intimidating, but at its core it’s interlaced herringbone stitch and learning a few rules about stitching order makes everything click into place.

The Secrets of Marash Embroidery, by Lusine Mkhitaryan, was exactly what I needed to learn the structure behind more complicated designs. The book is only available in Eastern Armenian, but the numerous diagrams and step by step photographs make it a fantastic resource for anyone interested in Marash Embroidery.

The first chapter covers hartagar, or flat stitch. This is similar to stem stitch filling patterns. There are instructions for how to fill different shapes as well as examples of historical embroideries. I love the bright colors shown in the examples.

Next comes hyusvadz gar, or woven stitch. The is the characteristic interlaced herringbone stitch of Marash embroidery. There are instructions for 26 motifs, presented in increasing difficulty.

Each design has a numbered diagram that gives the stitching order for the herringbone layer. The weaving layer steps are not always shown, but following along with the book in order gives a good understanding of how to weave. There are also pictures of the motifs bring used in larger compositions throughout the chapter.

The third section is probably my favorite. It discusses the connection between Marash embroidery and the designs found on khachkars, Armenian stonework crosses. A variety of stonework motifs are shown with diagrams for replicating the style with embroidery.

Chapter four has pictures of full pieces worked in Marash embroidery for inspiration. I particularly like the Armenian alphabet wall hanging.

There are 135 full color pages and a set of 32 embroidery patterns at the back of the book. It also comes with some plastic templates that make transferring a design quick and easy.

I’m using the templates and two of the printed patterns in a project I’m currently working on. I also used the templates to lay out my sampler when I was practicing different stitches.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. The pictures are very clear, so understanding Armenian is not required to learn Marash embroidery. I purchased my copy from Online Armenian Store.