Examples of embroidery from ancient Egypt, Iron Age Northern Europe and Zhou Dynasty China have been dated up to 2500 years ago however its exact origins are long lost. Pieces of Chinese chain stitch embroidery worked in silk thread dated to between the 5th-3rd century BC survive to this day.

Embroidery has long been a symbol of status and prosperity in regions as diverse as China, India, Japan, Persia and much of Europe. Popular items embroidered throughout history include clothing, religious objects, and household items.

It has been noted, remarkably, that basic embroidery stitches, materials and techniques remain virtually unchanged from the earliest surviving samples - these techniques have been passed from one generation to the next.

In the mid to late 1800's the introduction of machine embroidery revolutionised the the industry, nowhere more so than St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland where by the early 1900's more than half of the worlds embroidery was produced accounting for a massive 18% of all Swiss exports at the time.

Arguably computerised embroidery came into being during the 1970's with a fairly constant evolution in technical capabilities ever since.

To the current day we are informed that Michelle Obama wore St. Gallen embroidery at the inauguration ceremony of her husband on January, 20, 2009. The most common uses for embroidery now is for branding and promotional purposes. While some fashion houses do use it extensively the need to present a consistant image in business, to look smart and professional in appearance has meant this ancient artform will continue well into the future albeit with the aid of computerised digitizing and machinery.