|
This section is based only on the descriptions of the period pieces given in this book. I'm afraid you must seek other sources for a fuller discussion of stitches and materials as used in the Middle Ages. The plate numbers are those on which the piece is first described.
Stitches
The designs in this book are graphed by square units. This is the usual practice for patterns for cross stitch or canvas needlepoint, but be aware that those stitches are not appropriate for the earliest pieces. For work intended to be in the spirit of the original, the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon designs should be worked in appliqué, chain stitch, couching, outline, split stitch, or stem stitch. The graphed patterns could also be used directly for loom weaving or tablet weaving. The later period designs could be worked in the darning stitches, the various forms of cross stitch, or needlepoint.
|
Type |
Description of Piece |
Plate |
|
Cross stitch |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
Icelandic altar frontal |
7 |
| |
Spanish 16th c. table cover |
24 |
| |
English 16th c. furnishing border |
25 |
| |
English c. 1570 Oxburgh hangings |
29 |
| |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
|
|
|
Long-armed cross stitch |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
Icelandic altar frontal |
7 |
| |
Icelandic 1617 altar frontal |
8 |
| |
English 16th c. furnishing border |
25 |
| |
|
|
|
Two-sided cross stitch |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
|
|
|
Double running stitch |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
|
|
|
Pattern-darning (satin stitch) |
English 16th c. chalice veil |
4 |
| |
Icelandic 17th c. bed valance |
6 |
| |
Icelandic c. 1500 altar frontal |
9 |
| |
|
|
|
Straight-darning |
Icelandic 17th c. bed valance |
6 |
| |
Icelandic c. 1500 altar frontal |
9 |
| |
|
|
|
Tent stitch (needlepoint) |
English Bradford table carpet |
33 |
| |
English/French 16th c. fragment |
39 |
Threads
|
Type |
Description of Piece |
Plate |
|
Silk |
English 16th c. chalice veil |
4 |
| |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
Spanish 16th c. table cover |
24 |
| |
English 16th c. furnishing border |
25 |
| |
English c. 1570 Oxburgh hangings |
29 |
| |
English Bradford table carpet |
33 |
| |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
English/French 16th c. fragment |
39 |
| |
|
|
|
Silver-gilt |
English 16th c. chalice veil |
4 |
| |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
|
|
|
Silver |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
|
|
|
Wool |
Icelandic 17th c. bed valance |
6 |
| |
Icelandic altar frontal |
7 |
| |
Icelandic 1617 altar frontal |
8 |
| |
Icelandic c. 1500 altar frontal |
9 |
| |
English 16th c. furnishing border |
25 |
| |
English/French 16th c. fragment |
39 |
| |
|
|
Fabrics
The fabric in these pieces was always described as even-weave (tabby).
|
Type |
Description of Piece |
Plate |
|
Linen |
German 16th c. sampler |
5 |
| |
Icelandic 17th c. bed valance |
6 |
| |
Icelandic altar frontal |
7 |
| |
Icelandic 1617 altar frontal |
8 |
| |
Icelandic c. 1500 altar frontal |
9 |
| |
English 16th c. furnishing border |
25 |
| |
English c. 1570 Oxburgh hangings |
29 |
| |
English Bradford table carpet |
33 |
| |
English 1598 sampler |
37 |
| |
English/French 16th c. fragment |
39 |
|
