Seed Embroidery was practiced in Germany, but not much known in England. It was formed by making flowers and buds with various seeds, and connecting these together with stems and stalks of Chenille, and working the leaves in Chenille. The seeds used for the work are those of the Indian corn, pumpkin, and cucumber, for large flowers, and canary and aster for the small. These seeds are pierced at each end with a carpet needle, and attached by these holes to the material.
To work: Select a Crewel Work design of single flowers, such as daisies, sunflowers, or marigolds, and seeds that match the size of the petals, also Chenilles of various shades of green, and sewing and purse silk matching the flowers.
Trace the design upon white or pale colored blue satin, back it with Holland, and frame it in an embroidery frame.
Pierce the seeds at the top and bottom, and sew them to their places, either as flat petals, when lay them flat upon the satin, and secure with a stitch, made in sewing silk, at each of their ends; or as raised, when place them upright upon the satin, sew them together, and then down to the material.
Having placed the seeds, work the centers of the flowers in French Knots with the purse silk, and the stems, stalks, and leaves in the green Chenille and in Satin Stitch.
The Embroidery is used for sachets, hand bags, and fire screens. Necklaces and bracelets are made of melon or pumpkin seeds, by threading them upon fine silk, and forming them into balls, chains, tassels, and other devices.