Heraldic Embroidery

Includes links and informatio n about many appliqued textiles, including medieval Mamluk panels, heraldic and armorial appliques, Swedish intarsia, and furnishing s.

Applique, stitching pieces of colored cloth onto a background , provides a quick and easy way to make a big splash of color on banners, buntings, bardings and clothing -- making encampment s and tournament s truly spectacula r.

Medieval examples of banners, seals, armory in manuscript s, architectu ral features, stained glass, tiles, effigies, brasses, and coinage featuring heraldry.

Heraldry as a system has been copiously written about in a series of works extending from the 15th century until now and the subject has therefore been well examined from the scientific point of view. From its artistic side, on the other hand, it appears not to have attracted that amount of attention which the interesting and decorative character of the subject might have been expected to secure. Except for short incidental references in general works on heraldry and in papers read to certain learned and artistic societies, its decorative aspect has been treated as of comparatively minor importance. Many of those who have desired to practise the art have had to approach it anew by independent study and to re-discover by patient research the examples of good work on which to base their own an excellent method but susceptible of simplification.

A PDF version of a guidebook to English needlework of the 16th and 17th centuries at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

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.

An article on embroideri ng napkins with heraldic motifs, with a photo of a Flemish damask napkin circa 1500, featuring the arms of Henry VII of England.

The notes and methods employed to create some heraldic bed hangings to enhance the aesthetics and functional ity of my medieval camping bed.

Links to several pre-17th century embroidered textiles with heraldic motifs.

Based on what we know about how such embroidery was used in the Middle Ages, heraldic embroidery can find a plausible and enjoyable place on our clothing, gloves, banners, favors, and other accessories.

Heraldic motifs are just one of the design options available to the period needleworker. One must have a feel for period design and execution in order to understand its heraldic execution.

16th century herald's tabard with goldwork embroidery.