The author considers Mordovian folk embroidery as a kind of decorative and applied art, which has its own distinctive features in the art of the peoples of our Motherland. Issues of origin of Mordovian embroidery ornament are considered. Contains illustrations of clothing, the most characteristic and illustrative, patterns of ornament. Of great interest for professionals, as well as for those who are interested in the culture of their native land. The rich and peculiar material and spiritual culture of the Mordovian people was formed in the process of its complex and multifaceted relations with the nomads of the south and with the peoples of the forest strip of Eastern Europe. In this case, the determining value from the last quarter of 1 thousand. The Mordovians had contacts with the East Slavic tribes, and then with the Russian people formed on their basis.