Embroidery & Needlework

In the world of historical costuming there exist a continuum from those who want to create costumes that look historical and are made using historical fabrics and methods, all the way to those who create costumes that are only reminiscent of a particular historical period. I will be using photos of things I have made over the last few years in discussing the following techniques: slashing and pinking, quilting and trapunto, adding beads, pearls and metallic decorations, stitching, embroidery, couched cording, and buttons.

A series of articles and photographs in a book primarily on the V&A's embroidery collection and the history of embroidery all over the world, published in 1921.

Embroideri es from the SCA's historical period use chain stitch in the same way as split or stem stitch -- as a filling stitch, one that follows the contours of the motifs (or of their internal details).

The bibliography is divided into sections by time period.

Links to extant pre-17th century embroideries arranged in chronological order.

There are many types of embroidery used in the historical period covered by the SCA. Counted thread embroidery is one of the easier forms of embroidery found in our period.

The full text of the English translation, featuring recipes for artists' supplies, and instructions for techniques.

A multicultural overview of pre-17th century embroidery, identifying some basic stitches and discussing project planning.

Documenting needlework techniques for Arts competitions can be a problem for early period pieces. Here are some references to specific stitches & styles, gleaned from various sources, which may help.

Evidence for embroidere d bed linens and other bedding from the Middle Ages.

A practical text-book of design and workmanshi p by Mrs. Archibald H. Christie, with drawings by the author and other illustrati ons. Includes instructio ns for doing many different kinds of stitches, recommenda tions for tools, and diagrams from historical patterns.

Pictures created for use in surface/crewel embroidery. These are all PDF's for easy printing.

These patterns were taken from extant trim, for the most part tablet woven. They can be used for tablet weaving or embroidery.

An introducti on to embroidery , with suggestion s on tools and materials.

Photos of 17th century embroideri es.

Photos of embroidery, brocades, and lace patterns from the 12th-16th centuries.

Discusses the Met's extensive collection of Renaissanc e textile pattern books, used primarily by women to embroider clothes and accessorie s. The practice of embroidery was seen as a virtuous endeavor, and textile pattern books, published with great frequency from the 1520s onward, were designed to inspire, instruct, and encourage ''beautifu l and virtuous women'' in this esteemed practice. Straddling the discipline s of early printmakin g, ornament design, and textile decoration , these works help shed light on the crucial period when the concept of fashion as a means of distinguis hing individual identity became fixed in Western society.

Includes patterns and techniques for tablet-weaving, embroidery, handstitching, nalbinding, handspinning, and more.

Middle Kingdom Textile Artisan Guild for various fiber artisans: baskets, embroidery , knitting, sprang, spinning, weaving, dyeing. Papers and projects.

The purpose of this site is to be a resource centre for those interested in the study and practice of pre-16th century (Dark Ages, Medieval and Renaissance) needlework/embroidery and its techniques.

The embroiderers' guild of the East Kingdom. Provides an active forum for those involved in researching and creating embroidery as done in the pre-seventeenth century world.

Interlaced patterns that were couched on clothing in the 16th century.

On embroidery and embroiderers of the Middle Ages.

Images of embroidere rs from the 14th-17th centuries.

The embroideries charted here reflect an interest in counted thread embroidery of the medieval period, as opposed to free embroidery or blackwork. Especially leans toward early stuff, particulary the bold colors and geometric patterns of German and Scandinavian embroidery. There are charts and designs shown.

Marking a pattern on dark, textured, or fuzzy fabric is not easy.

Detailed notes on early medieval Norse footwear, as well as belts, pouches, and embroidery .

A class handout with an overview of medieval needlework & textile techniques, with an extensive bibliography.

The Atlantian Embroiderers' Guild helps to increase interest in needlework and promote education in period embroidery in the Kingdom of Atlantia.