About Crewel Work


A type of surface embroidery at least 1000 years old, crewelwork takes its name from the wool used - a fine two ply yarn. The colourful designs are worked on a neutral, closely woven linen. Various stitches are used to outline and fill elaborate designs, creating pattern and texture.

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries crewelwork was used to decorate domestic furnishings. Designs were influenced by Indian chintzes and included wild exotic flora and fauna; a Tree of Life provides the central motif, surrounded by whimsical insects, birds and animals.

About Crewel Work About Crewel Work

What You Learn On a Crewel Work Class

You will learn a variety of Jacobean stitches using Appleton’s crewel wool. This technique enjoys an element of fantasy with pink animals, blue trees and purple landscapes; so stitches combine with outrageous colours to create weird and wonderful dioramas. As a twist on the traditional I also incorporate designs using established stitches with monochromes; you can decide.

Stitches Include:

Stem stitch   |   Split stitch   |   Varieties of back stitch   |   Satin stitch   |   Fly stitch   |   Chain stitch   |   Buttonhole stitch   |   Trellis   |   French knots   |   Pistils   |   Seeding   |   Couching