View source for Germanic embroidery

=== Background ===

The Germanic lands of [[Europe]] have a long tradition of [[embroidery]]. In the [[period]] covered by the [[SCA]], there are two types of [[embroidery]] for which this area is particularly well known- [[whitework]] and [[wool]] [[embroidery]].

=== Materials Used ===

* white [[linen]] thread on [[linen]] ground ([[Whitework]])
* coloured [[wool]] on [[linen]] ground using [[couching]]
* coloured [[wool]], [[silk]] on [[linen]] ground using [[brick stitch]]

=== Stitches and Techniques ===

* [[Whitework]] generally consisted of [[chain stitch]], [[stem stitch]] and [[satin stitch]] on a [[linen]] ground using [[linen]] thread.
* wool work was generally done using a self couching or [[klosterstitch]].
* both [[wool]], [[silk]] and [[linen]] were used for [[brick stitch]] pieces.

=== Design ===

* [[Whitework]] pieces were either [[secular]] or [[ecclesiastical]], however, this technique was a popular one for adorning alter clothes to be used at [[Lent]].
* Wool work was mostly [[secular]], with moral tales being a popular topic. 

A point to note is the popularity of heraldic display in Germanic embroidery.

=== Extant Pieces === 

* Stole with Images of the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine, ca. 1200
German (Rhineland) or English - Red silk, linen underlay, crimson silk tabby, metal threads (strips of gold and silver leaf wrapped on linen thread); 7 7/8 x 19 1/4 in. (19.7 x 48.9 cm) - http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/litu/hob_64.101.1382.htm

* The [[Malterer Hanging]] - 14th C wool work 

* 14th C Whitework Altar Cloth - http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mona/hob_29.87.htm

* 15th C Silk Band - http://www.thorngrove.net/athenaeum/gillyflw.htm

==== Brick Stitch ====

* Large Collection of 14th and 15th Century Westphalian Embroidery -
http://www.wymarc.com/pages/816937/index.htm

* Pictures from the V&A of 14th and 15th Century German brickwork 
** Embroidered bands - http://www.drakt.org/Embroidery/Embroidered_bands.html
** Silk embroidered bag - http://www.drakt.org/Embroidery/V_A_1.html
** Silk embroidered pouch - http://www.drakt.org/Embroidery/V_A_3.html 
** Silk embroidered stole - http://www.drakt.org/Embroidery/V_A_2.html
** Silk and linen embroidered bag - http://www.drakt.org/Embroidery/V_A_4.htmle

* 14th C Silk Altar Cloth- late 14th century German Silk on linen; 63 x 62 1/2 in. (160 x 158.8 cm) - http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/07/euwc/hob_69.106.htm

[[category:embroidery]]