Bordadeira

Bordadeira is a noun in Portuguese that denotes a person who practices embroidery, the craft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread. The feminine form is bordadeira, while the masculine form is bordadeiro. The word comes from bordar, to embroider, with the agent suffix -adeira, which forms occupations.

A bordadeira may work by hand or with machine embroidery, applying stitches to create patterns or images. Common stitches include backstitch, satin stitch, running stitch, cross-stitch, and French knots. Materials range from cotton and linen to silk and decorative threads, and tools include needles, hoops or frames, scissors, and, in machine work, computerized embroidery equipment. Embroidery can be used for functional purposes—such as hems and patches—and for artistic or decorative purposes in textiles, clothing, and home decor.

Cultural and historical significance. Embroidery is a traditional craft found in many cultures, with regional styles and motifs. In Portuguese-speaking countries, embroidery has a long heritage in textile arts and fashion, contributing to family crafts and local economies and often taught across generations.

In contemporary contexts, bordadeiras may work as artisans, in fashion and interior design, or as part of cultural preservation projects, sometimes reviving or maintaining traditional patterns while also exploring contemporary designs. The term remains descriptive of the profession rather than a brand or place.