KASHMIR AND CREWEL HAND EMBROIDERED FABRIChttp://saffisew.blogspot.co.uk/

WHAT IS CREWEL EMBROIDERY?

• Handmade Crewel Embroidered Fabric is the product of a decorative form of embroidery in which stitches are embroidered by hand using wool and following the outline of a design which is applied to a certain fabric.

• There is a large selection of materials which can be used as a base fabric for Crewel Embroidery (such as cotton, velvet and organza) however, probably the most commonly used fabric for such embroidery is linen. For instance, in the seventeenth century linen was the most common base material on which ‘Jacobean Embroidery’ was sewn.

• However, in recent years there has been an increasing demand for Kashmir Hand Embroidered Fabric (made from the wool of the Cashmere Goat from the Kashmir region of India).

HISTORY OF CREWEL EMBROIDERY

• The Crewel Embroidery technique is believed to be at least a thousand years old, demonstrated by its use in the production of the famous Bayeux Tapestry which depicts the victory of William Duke of Normandy (also known as William the Conqueror) over Harold II in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

• In more recent years, however, the production of Handmade Crewel Embroidered Fabric has greatly increased in popularity, becoming perhaps most popular during the seventeenth century. This ‘heyday’ for Handmade Crewel Embroidered Fabric, with the production of ‘Jacobean Embroidery’ and the tapestries of the Quaker Movement, involved the production of ornately designed hangings to be hung on walls, beds and also as curtain hangings.

• However, the fact that the ‘heyday’ of Handmade Crewel Embroidered Fabric was four centuries ago does not at all mean that such embroidery is not popular today.

MODERN USES OF CREWEL EMBROIDERY

• This is demonstrated by the fact that far more base fabrics are being used for such embroidery, such as Organza, silk and Kashmir, and that the designs typical of ‘Jacobean Embroidery’ (such as ornately depicted animals, plants and flowers) are becoming exceedingly popular.

• Whereas in past centuries Handmade Crewel Embroidered Fabric was used for the creation of elaborate (and undoubtedly expensive) bed curtains and hangings, nowadays it is most often used to decorate curtains and clothing. However, the purpose does depend on the material being used. For example, Kashmir Crewel Embroidered Fabric, being a more expensive and fine fabric, is most commonly used in the manufacture of ornate and elaborate scarves.

• Handmade Crewel Fabric can be used to add a certain traditional feel to whatever it is being used for, for example Crewel Embroidered Curtains can be most attractive and provide a point of focus for the room they are used in.