Types of embroidery include every sort of ornamental work done with a sewing needle of any kind. Embroidery may be done on any number of fabrics from satin to canvas. Embroiderers, know for their resourcefulness, experiment and learn from others which kind of stitch and thread works best and proceed to produce wonderful works of art, many times mixing types of embroidery.
Often embroidery types were named after the predominate stitch that was used, such as cross-stitch. Others were named after the place they were first introduced, such as Berlin Wool Work or Mountmellick embroidery.
What can make finding a "type" of embroidery confusing is that many times there are more than one name for a particular kind of embroidery. For example, pulled thread, drawn thread and Hardanger are often classified as the same embroidery style.
Embroidery techniques can produce a wide range of effects. Some produce a flat surface while others produce a relief effect. Almost any effect wanted can be produced in embroidery - from simple line to fancy stitches with beads, baubles and anything else attached. Embroidery is definitely one of the most versatile crafts ever created.
Below you will find types of embroidery, listed in alphabetical order, used during Victorian times. These are described, and if possible, illustrations and instructions are provided.
is the technique of taking a pattern of one material, laid on another which forms the ground. The edges of the cut-out design are either sewed over, ornamented with fancy cord, braid, gold thread, or any other appropriate material.
Arrasene Embroidery
is an embroidery material that was very popular during Victorian times. It was introduced for artistic embroidery around 1883 and was thought to likely supersede other kinds of embroidery materials used in
bold designs in decorative needlework. It is a kind of fine chenile and came in both silk and wool.
is a style of canvas work embroidery. In the 1830's, a new processes of dyeing wools made this type of embroidery possible. The resulting embroidery produced very durable and long lasting pieces. Berlin work was used to create cushions, bags and furniture covers.
White embroidery, or embroidery on muslin, was used for a great variety of articles of ladies' dress. The simplest is termed Broderie Anglaise. In this style, the pattern is either in satin stitch, or from
left to right, formed of holes cut out of the muslin, and sewed over with embroidery cotton.
Bulgarian Embroidery
Bulgarian embroidery is used almost exclusively upon heavy linens and canvas. It is entirely conventional in design and also in manner of working.
is stitched onto coarse or tight-textured canvas and also referred to as needlepoint, a term borrowed from lacemaking.
See Needlepoint.
Chenille
Coral work
Cotton Embroidery
Counted thread embroidery
Cretonne Embroidery
Crewel, Crewel embroidery
This type of embroidery gets its name from the fine wool yarn that is used. The designs are generally bold, since it is difficult to create small intricate designs in wool.
Cross-Stitch Embroidery
is probably the most common types of embroidery. It is composed of floss stitched in an X like manner on canvas or a canvas like material. Aida cloth is the choice of most Embroiderers today. Java canvas was typically used by Victorian ladies.
Small shapes are cut out of the ground material, the cut edges are embroidered, and the vacant space is often filled in with decorative stitches. Hardanger and Hedebo can be classified as cut work.
D
Delft Embroidery
This style of work gains its name from the Delft ware. Quaint Holland scenes, done entirely in one color, make this type of embroidery easily recognized.
Certain threads of the warp or weft (or both) are removed from the ground, and the remaining threads are embroidered.
Dresden Embroidery
Dresden Embroidery is named from the ware of the same name. Linens embroidered in this type of embroidery will add a beautiful sophistication to any Victorian table.
is also known as Bargello Embroidery. Traditionally designs are very colorful. By using many different hues of the same color, very intricate shading effects were produced.
French Laid Embroidery, also known as White Work, is known and appreciated the world over. It is a raised embroidery. The stitches are close and firm.
To learn more about this beautiful embroidery that is most generally serviceable and appropriate to all applications of household use, see
French Laid Embroidery.
G
Goldwork
Gretchen Embroidery
Gretchen embroidery is an unusual embroidery technique not often found.
Irridescent Embroidery is sometimes called opalescent embroidery and either term indicates the distinctive feature of the work. It is always worked in Kensington Stitch and in the palest of colors
is also called Mountmellick Work or Fine White Work.
N
Needlepoint
is embroidery done on canvas. Traditionally Needlepoint was completed on a linen canvas with wool thread. Although different stitches were used, depending upon locations, the tent stitch was used most often. Today embroiderers, when needlepointing, use a much wider range of stitches than ever used before.
Netting Silk in Embroidery
The most delicate kinds of embroidery are worked with fine netting silk, one strand of which is drawn out.
O
Orient
P
Persian Embroidery
Persian Embroidery has changed over the course of history. It receives its name based upon the designs and colors used.
Punched Work is another type of embroidery that has been used to described different types of embroidery. Most people today, when thinking of Punch or Punched Embroidery automatically think of the type that has the loops of top of the fabric (similar to a hooked rug). This type of embroidery has been around for centuries. The other Punched Work, as described and illustrated here, is more of a drawn work.
As you can see, there are many types of embroidery. Victorian ladies were expected to know each type of embroidery and understand the different stitches that were used with each. Like today’s embroiderers, creative license was used to obtain the look needed for each individual piece of work. Be creative like Victorian embroiderers were. Don't be afraid to mix and match types of embroidery to create YOUR work of art!
