Anatomical embroidery

A single skeletal muscle contains hundreds of thousands of individual fibers stretched in long rows, an anatomical fact that the textile artist behind Ambroidering recreates in an unusually fitting manner. Based in Shropshire, England, the artist stitches precise embroideries of the human body, defining circular systems with sinuous threads, conveying the distinct layers of skin with sparkling beads, and translating the brain’s spongy matter into thick, puffy pockets. You can find many of…

UK-based embroidery artist Amber Griffiths is riding a wave of anatomical inspiration in her latest designs. Typically inspired by nature, Griffiths tells Colossal that her series kicked off when looking to put a non-traditional spin on the iconic Valentine’s Day heart. “I’m not particularly someone who’s into all the mushy classic love hearts, so I thought the anatomical route would be much more interesting,” Griffiths says. That set off an obsessive exploration of human anatomy through her…

Until the first of many phases of extensive facial surgery to correct my Bells Palsy three years ago I'd never embroidered anything. It was during a hospital stay to insert one of my chest muscles into my left cheek that I realised I could marry up my love of hand sewing with my love of human anatomy and a hobby was born. I bought embroidery thread, dug out my old copy of Grey's Anatomy and got started on an image of the facial muscles which was immediately bought by my consultant facial…

Anatomical sagittal head embroidery

Amber Griffiths (@ambroidering) • Instagram photos and videos

Griffiths created the heart in soft pink and used red and blue threads for its veins and aortas. Needless to say, the result was quite stunning. This prompted her to explore other anatomical parts of the body.

The key to a healthy heart is a diet full of fiber, and Emmi Khan is ensuring her heart—and lungs and brain—don’t miss out. The Cardiff-based artist embroiders anatomically accurate organs and systems, from a multicolored double helix to a profile view of facial vessels. The artist often weaves in floral and natural elements, bolstering the connection between beauty, anatomy, and the environment. Khan tells Colossal she began the craft while studying biomedical sciences and has continued…

UK-based embroidery artist Amber Griffiths is riding a wave of anatomical inspiration in her latest designs. Typically inspired by nature, Griffiths tells Colossal that her series kicked off when looking to put a non-traditional spin on the iconic Valentine’s Day heart. “I’m not particularly someone who’s into all the mushy classic love hearts, so I thought the anatomical route would be much more interesting,” Griffiths says. That set off an obsessive exploration of human anatomy through her…