Pattern Darning

A lot of historical cross stitch and other squared patterns can be used for pattern darning. Some types work much better than others, and sometimes it requires a bit of thought to see how to adapt a pattern for better results.

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.

Text and charts for the pattern-darned section of a late medieval altar frontal.

A brief history of the Mamluks, with good photos of caps and fragments of embroidered textiles.

Here are examples of pattern-da rned bands graphed in a number of different formats from period sources, some more challengin g to work than others.

Webbed version of a class handout on medieval styles of pattern darning.

Pattern darning is a particular ly clever way to imitate costly woven patterns.

Pattern darning is an embroidery technique that follows the warp and weft of the fabric fibers. At its simplest, it is a running stitch that moves in either a horizontal or vertical line. The part designed to show is on top of the fabric and the remainder is behind. Usually done with more than one strand of embroidery thread, it is an extremely versatile form of embroidery . See also Pattern darning in context for further examples.