Coptic embroidery

Background

The Coptic peoples used chain stitch, cross stitch, whipped running stitch, satin stitch, stem stitch and split stitch, from the 1st century AD onwards. While weaving was a more common form of textile decoration, some embroidery does survive. The main base fabric for Coptic work is linen, with the embroidery done in wool and sometimes silk.

Materials Used

• linen ground
• silk thread
• wool thread

Stitches and Techniques

• chain stitch
• cross stitch
• whipped running stitch
• satin stitch
• stem stitch
• split stitch

Design

Due to the nature of the community that produced them, Coptic embroidery tends to be based around Christian religious themes, although not exclusivly so.

Extant Pieces

• Embroidery in medallion: Hercules and the Nemean lion - 400-700 http://rubens.anu.edu.au/htdocs/surveys/charlotte/0345/034574.JPG

• 5th century embroidered tunic

• 5th century wall hanging

Sources for Further Information

• Ellis, Marianne. Embroideries and Samplers from Islamic Egypt. Greenville, SC: Ashmolean Museum Oxford, 2001. ISBN 185444154X
• Johnstone, Pauline. The Byzantine Tradition in Church Embroidery. Chicago: Argonaut, 1967. ISBN 0854581502
• Gostelow, Mary. A World of Embroidery. New York: Scribner, 1975. ISBN 0263056554
• Rutschowscaya, Marie-Helene. Coptic Fabrics. Paris: Adam Biro, 1990. ISBN 2876600846
• Thompson, Deborah. Coptic Textiles in the Brooklyn Museum. Brooklyn Museum, 1971. ISBN 0913696110
• Warner, Pamela. Embroidery: A History. London: Batsford, 1991. ISBN 0713461063