3D embroidery opens creative avenues for Anis Sofea

KLANG, Selangor: What began as a hobby learning ribbon embroidery from her aunt has blossomed into a full-fledged passion and income source for 29-year-old Anis Sofea, who now specializes in the intricate art of 3D embroidery.

Sofea began teaching herself 3D embroidery in 2020, shortly after graduating and before the COVID-19 pandemic. Her interest grew as she explored various embroidery styles, eventually becoming captivated by the 3D techniques she discovered on Instagram. Through self-study and dedication, she honed her skills to create works with a unique artistic identity. For Sofea, 3D embroidery is more than just a way to express creativity and fill free time; it brings deep satisfaction as each thread brings her creations to life.

Her artistic inclination was nurtured from childhood, influenced by her father and late grandfather, both of whom had artistic talents. This early exposure fostered an interest in activities requiring creativity and precision, ultimately leading her to choose embroidery as her artistic medium. A significant inspiration for Sofea is Instagram-based 3D embroidery artist Syd.stitch, whose delicate and unique creations deeply impressed her and fueled her desire to learn similar techniques.

Unlike many artists, Sofea never attended formal classes or workshops. She relied on social media as her primary resource, studying shared techniques and tutorials. It took her approximately three months to fully grasp the fundamental techniques of 3D embroidery before she felt confident enough to produce her own pieces. Her very first 3D embroidery project, featuring the Pokémon characters Latias and Latios, was a success, providing her with a significant confidence boost.