A person who grew up in London in the sixteenth century, would surely be one of the many who knew all too well about crewel embroidery. The period was actually the height of this form of art identified by its intricacy. This type of needlework refers to wool that has been twisted in a tight manner. The thread has been created by plain hobbyists in order to be productive in their pastime along with the professional designers who make a living out of it.
At the age when England started its barter relations with India, stylists started to integrate in the crewel embroidery wild elements inspired from the east. If you can obtain a sample, you will most likely see what Mother Nature has to offer such as plants and animals. One of the most popular was the pattern of the Tree of Life. The Hindus in return, followed some versions that were all conceived by the English. Basically, the form of art in the succeeding years was a fusion of two cultures.
Crewel embroidery turned out to be very famous to the point where British citizens who were unemployed but were knowledgeable in the tapestry industry rioted. By 1722, the country was compelled to prohibit bringing in fabrics from a foreign land. It then ushered in a domestic type of needlework. Meanwhile, the conquerors in the United States fashioned their own version which was motivated by the marvels spotted all around like rabbits, deers and squirrels, among the others.
Considered as free stitching, crewel embroidery can be very ideal in either linen or cotton. The textile has to be strong in order to support the weight of the hemming. Chiffon, flannel, gauze, georgette, knit, jersey, lawn, organza and satin, to name a few, are not applicable. In fact, there are special needles required which specifically have to have sharp edges and huge eyes such as the Chenille, for example.
Frequently, the borders of crewel embroidery have to be screen- printed. If not, you can transfer to any plain sheet through pens that contain soluble ink that are water- based. A method called “prick and pounce” can also be well utilized. With the technique, the figure is drawn on the paper in order to come up with perforation along the edges. Powdered chalk is then pressed to the openings using a felt pad to imitate the flair of the material.
