Swedish embroidery: Difference between revisions
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=== Background === |
=== Background === |
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Few examples of Swedish [[embroidery]] have survived from this period. Most of those come from grave finds such as those at Birka. Those that do survive show cultural and commerical links with eastern Europe and the Byzantine world. Textiles for the church were one of the main markets for [[embroidery]]. In Sweden both imported and native made works were used. |
Few examples of [[Sweden|Swedish]] [[embroidery]] have survived from this [[period]]. Most of those come from grave finds such as those at Birka. Those that do survive show cultural and commerical links with eastern [[Europe]] and the [[Byzantine]] world. Textiles for the [[church]] were one of the main markets for [[embroidery]]. In Sweden both imported and native made works were used. |
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=== Materials === |
=== Materials === |
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* linen ground fabric (most common) |
* [[linen]] ground fabric (most common) |
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* wool ground |
* [[wool]] ground |
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=== Stitches === |
=== Stitches === |
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The stitches used in surviving pieces include: |
The stitches used in surviving pieces include: |
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* Split |
* [[Split stitch]] |
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* satin stitch |
* [[satin stitch]] |
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* Long Armed cross stitch |
* Long Armed [[cross stitch]] |
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* applique |
* [[applique]] |
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* [[Surface Couching]] |
* [[Surface Couching]] |
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* pattern darning |
* [[pattern darning]] |
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* |
* [[double-running stitch]] |
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=== Techniques === |
=== Techniques === |
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There were three basic techiques used: |
There were three basic techiques used: |
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* freestyle designs executed with silk thread |
* freestyle designs executed with [[silk]] thread |
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* patchwork and applique on wool |
* patchwork and [[applique]] on [[wool]] |
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* counted thread work using long-armed cross stitch, cross stitch or pattern darning (on wool or linen). |
* counted thread work using long-armed [[cross stitch]], [[cross stitch]] or [[pattern darning]] (on [[wool]] or [[linen]]). |
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=== Design === |
=== Design === |
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The freestyle and silk embroideries were mostly created for ecclesiastical use. They were mostly created using satin and split stitch but there are also examples of laid and couched work. Early works used geometric patterns but during later periods the designs become more free flowing. Outlines were emphasised by thicker threads. |
The freestyle and silk embroideries were mostly created for [[ecclesiastical]] use. They were mostly created using [[satin stitch]] and [[split stitch]] but there are also examples of laid and couched work. Early works used geometric patterns but during later periods the designs become more free flowing. Outlines were emphasised by thicker threads. |
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Many surviving examples of ecclesiastical [[embroidery]] started life in the secular world and were later donated to the Church. A surviving example of this is a patchworked bed cover. The shaped patches have couched threads or gilt membrane strips between patches. This technique was also used for things such as |
Many surviving examples of [[ecclesiastical]] [[embroidery]] started life in the [[secular]] world and were later donated to the [[Church]]. A surviving example of this is a patchworked bed cover. The shaped patches have couched threads or gilt membrane strips between patches. This technique was also used for things such as cushion covers. |
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Needlework was also used to produce household furnishings such as wall hangings (often in the form of friezes), tablecloths and cushion covers. These types of articles were usually worked in cross stitch or long-armed cross stitch or darning on a wool or linen ground. |
Needlework was also used to produce household furnishings such as wall hangings (often in the form of friezes), tablecloths and cushion covers. These types of articles were usually worked in cross stitch or long-armed cross stitch or darning on a wool or linen ground. |
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* Bridgeman, H and Drury, E. "Needlework: An Illustrated History", (London: Paddington Press, 1977) |
* Bridgeman, H and Drury, E. "Needlework: An Illustrated History", (London: Paddington Press, 1977) |
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[[category:embroidery]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:45, 12 August 2004
Background
Few examples of Swedish embroidery have survived from this period. Most of those come from grave finds such as those at Birka. Those that do survive show cultural and commerical links with eastern Europe and the Byzantine world. Textiles for the church were one of the main markets for embroidery. In Sweden both imported and native made works were used.
Materials
Stitches
The stitches used in surviving pieces include:
- Split stitch
- satin stitch
- Long Armed cross stitch
- applique
- Surface Couching
- pattern darning
- double-running stitch
Techniques
There were three basic techiques used:
- freestyle designs executed with silk thread
- patchwork and applique on wool
- counted thread work using long-armed cross stitch, cross stitch or pattern darning (on wool or linen).
Design
The freestyle and silk embroideries were mostly created for ecclesiastical use. They were mostly created using satin stitch and split stitch but there are also examples of laid and couched work. Early works used geometric patterns but during later periods the designs become more free flowing. Outlines were emphasised by thicker threads.
Many surviving examples of ecclesiastical embroidery started life in the secular world and were later donated to the Church. A surviving example of this is a patchworked bed cover. The shaped patches have couched threads or gilt membrane strips between patches. This technique was also used for things such as cushion covers.
Needlework was also used to produce household furnishings such as wall hangings (often in the form of friezes), tablecloths and cushion covers. These types of articles were usually worked in cross stitch or long-armed cross stitch or darning on a wool or linen ground.
Common motifs for this type of work were stylised lilies, trees, stars and birds, arranged diagonally or symmetrically with a central access and often a polygon framework.
Links
- Viking Embroidery Techniques - http://www.cs.vassar.edu/~capriest/vikembroid.html
- Viking Embroidery - The Viking Answer Lady - http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/embroid.htm
- Historic Swedish Embroidery - http://www.historiska.se/exhibitions/textil/
Sources for Further Information
- Bridgeman, H and Drury, E. "Needlework: An Illustrated History", (London: Paddington Press, 1977)
