Madeiran embroidery, traditionally produced for personal use of noble ladies since the 15th century, gained importance for the island’s economy in the second half of the 19th century. Trade and exports have internationalized embroidery, which has provided employment for 70,000 embroiderers. Today, 3,000 embroiderers continue to perform the same stitches (Richelieu, buttonholes, garanito (small filled circles), arrendado (crivo stitch), bastido (full stitch), rope stitch, shadow stitch, and French stitch) on linen, silk, cotton, or organdy, which embellish bedding, table linen, and clothing. You can look at the whole process of embroidery by visiting “Bordal – Bordados da Madeira, Lda.”, Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas 77, on the 1st floor.