Motywy

Stylized plant motifs are typical of Pałuki embroidery. They can be divided into 4 groups: flowers, twigs and leaves, fruits and other motifs.

The group of flowers includes: multi-petal flowers, also called rosettes or roses, bluebells, cornflowers and daisies.

The twigs and leaves of the second group can be of various shapes and sizes, they are often oak and vine leaves.

The group of fruits includes ears of corn, grapes, plums and pears, and poppies.

Other motifs include various types of whiskers, dots (pearls) and 3 types of holes.

Motifs may also vary depending on their method of making. For example, flowers and leaves may be highly differentiated depending on stitches, holes and appliqué used. As regards the oldest Pałuki bonnets, the most frequently used motifs are uniform floral motifs (e.g. roses and rose buds forming bouquets). Small holes were used for embroidering ruffs, shirts and white petticoats, however holes were never used to make embroidery in red petticoats and aprons. A feature of contemporary Pałuki embroidery is that it often deviates from these classic rules.