Arrasene Embroidery
It is not necessary to use a frame in working small designs, but larger ones are more easily thus kept in place. If the work becomes drawn in working, it can be straightened by first covering a board with a wet cloth, and then firmly pinning the work to the board, with the wrong side down, over the wet cloth, and allowing it to remain until the cloth is perfectly dry; this takes out the irregularities, and leaves the work smooth. An article published in 1883 describes a project using Arrasene as thus: "We have recently seen some window lambrequins, or valances, worked in Arrasene; the material was olive sateen, with a border of fleur de lis, tulips, lilies, jonquils, ferns, and grasses. Below the work was a band of maroon plush, edged with fringe corresponding in color. All these flowers, it will be noticed, are bold in design and the effect of color, light, and shade was very fine." It was still very popular in 1895. The following was published by Brainerd & Armstrong (a well-known manufacturer of embroidery materials) in 1895. In the article, they give suggestions on what projects this would be most suitable as well as providing an embroidery pattern to use on a lady's slipper. ---------------------
Arrasene EmbroiderySilk velvet for embroidery purposes is especially suitable and beautiful for small things, such as folios, card cases, desk cushions, smoking caps, slippers, and many other articles for individual use. ARRASENE as manufactured by the BRAINERD & ARMSTRONG Co., lends itself to velvet in embroidery and becomes a part of it. It is similar to Chenille in effect though less fine, therefore suited to larger work. Gold cord combines well with it and further enhances its beauty. The work is rapidly done. Couching, a treatment which is easy and showy, can be used almost exclusively for many designs.The Slipper pattern, shown below, commends itself for the effect produced by very little work. Choose black silk velvet. Work the flowers with cream white ARRASENE in solid embroidery, using a suitable needle. A few stitches of dull pink of "Asiatic" Filo will produce the tinted edge seen in the dogwood bloom. Two stitches of very delicate green "Asiatic" Filo Silk Floss (or "Asiatic" Filo,) at the base of each petal further heighten the effect. Finish the center of the flower with yellow knots or gilt beads, sewed in. The scroll work is done in bright green ARRASENE and Japanese gold thread. Place the gold on the binding thread of the ARRASENE and couch both together with green "Asiatic" Twisted Embroidery Silk. The result is beautiful and artistic.
Although this embroidering material was still popular in 1898, it was beginning to fall out of favor. It was said that it was still employed for elegant embroidery, though work done with it was less durable than that developed with silk and crewels. By 1902, it was still available but it was used less and less. Patterns or discussions on its uses became much less available. Other materials have eventually taken its place and today it is very difficult to find. Return to top of page. Return to Types of Embroidery page. Return from Arrasene Embroidery page to Home
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