A masterclass in Crewel Work!
The Jacobean Fantasy design is a detail from a beautiful bedspread completed in Glasgow, Scotland. It is signed and dated by the embroiderer, “E.M. 1914”, the same year the First World War broke out in Europe. “E.M.” had a wonderful colour sense, combining soft sage greens in a peaceful undertone and linking vibrant accents of bright colour with this continuous colour base.
This crewel work bedspread is a great favourite at exhibitions of my private collection of historic embroidery. The linen, wool colours, stitches and scale are all true to the original and this will enable you to stitch in comfort. To date, my daughter has embroidered this kit four times as individual wedding presents and dated the pillows she has made with the wedding dates. I hope that you find equal enjoyment when recreating this classic Arts & Crafts era “Jacobean” crewel work design.
Enjoy learning Long and Short Stitch as "soft shading", variations of Laid and Couched Work, as well as Crewel Stem Stitch. Perfect for beginners. This design is part of Phillipa's private collection.
- Linen size: 21 x 18”
- Design size: 16 x 12”
Stitches:
Satin Stitch, Crewel Stem Stitch, Laid & Couched Work, Long & Short as ‘soft shading’.
Copyright by The Crewel Work Collection
