Types of embroidery include every sort of ornamental work done with a sewing needle of any kind. Embroidery may be done on any number of fabrics from satin to canvas. Embroiderers, know for their resourcefulness, experiment and learn from others which kind of stitch and thread works best and proceed to produce wonderful works of art, many times mixing types of embroidery.
Often embroidery types were named after the predominate stitch that was
used, such as cross-stitch. Others were named after the place they were
first introduced, such as Berlin Wool Work or Mountmellick embroidery.
What can make finding a "type" of embroidery confusing is that many
times there are more than one name for a particular kind of embroidery. For example, pulled thread, drawn thread and Hardanger are often classified as the same embroidery style.
Embroidery techniques can produce a wide range of effects. Some produce a flat surface while others produce a relief effect. Almost any effect wanted can be produced in embroidery - from simple line to fancy stitches with beads, baubles and anything else attached. Embroidery is definitely one of the most versatile crafts ever created.
Below you will find types of embroidery, listed in alphabetical order, used during Victorian times. These are described, and if possible, illustrations and instructions are provided.
Alphabet Design Embroidery
was originally used to mark household linens and then used to
personalize handmade gifts. This technique uses padding stitches under
an even layer of even stitches to produced a raised embroidery effect.
Applique is the technique of taking a pattern of one material, laid on another which forms the ground. The edges of the cut-out design are either sewed over, ornamented with fancy cord, braid, gold thread, or any other appropriate material.
Arrasene Embroidery is an embroidery material that was very popular during Victorian times. It was introduced for artistic embroidery around 1883 and was thought to likely supersede other kinds of embroidery materials used in bold designs in decorative needlework. It is a kind of fine chenile and came in both silk and wool.
Back Stitch Embroidery
is one of the simplest kinds of
embroidery. The Back Stitch is the only stitch used with this type of
Bead Embroidery (beading)
Berlin Embroidery is a style of canvas work embroidery. In the 1830's, a new processes of dyeing wools made this type of embroidery possible. The resulting embroidery produced very durable and long lasting pieces. Berlin work was used to create cushions, bags and furniture covers.
Broderie Anglaise is one of the types of embroidery that goes by at least one other name. It is also known as English Embroidery. It is kind of White Embroidery.
Bulgarian Embroidery is used almost exclusively upon heavy linens and canvas. It is entirely conventional in design and also in manner of working.
is stitched onto coarse or tight-textured canvas and also referred to as needlepoint, a term borrowed from lacemaking.
Chip, Embroidery on was embroidery on material made either of fine plaited chips or wood shavings. The designs used for this type of work were very simple.
Counted Thread Embroidery
Crazy Work is made by attaching random size and shape pieces of material together to form a larger piece of material. This material then can be used in making a quilt or other projects, such as table cover, cushions, etc. Many different projects described on this page.
Cretonne Applique was very popular with Victorian women. Cretonne fabric made it very easy to make wonderful and unique applique linens quickly.
Crewel, or Crewel Embroidery gets its name from the fine wool yarn that is used. The designs are generally bold, since it is difficult to create small intricate designs in wool.
Cross-Stitch Embroidery is probably the most common types of embroidery. It is composed of floss stitched in an X like manner on canvas or a canvas like material. Aida cloth is the choice of most Embroiderers today. Java canvas was typically used by Victorian ladies.
Cut-Work, is also one of the types of 