Swiss Embroidery is the same as is known as Broderie Anglaise, Irish Work, and Madeira Work. It consists of working upon fine linen or thin muslin patterns in Satin Stitch and other Embroidery Stitches with white Embroidery cotton. During the first half of the 19th century the peasants of Switzerland were celebrated for the beauty and delicacy of the work they produced, but since White Embroidery has been made by machinery, the work has died out as a trade manufacture.
The painting, Broken Vows, painted by Philip Calderon in 1857 provides a wonderful likeness of Broderie Anglaise and how it was used in clothing at that time. The close-up of the cuff shows the great detail that makes this a truly beautiful type of embroidery.
