Early American Embroidery Patterns
Early American embroidery patterns are seen in samplers and decorative pieces. Embroidery was a means of illustrating sewing skill, creating something beautiful and was also used as a teaching tool for young girls. The early American colonists took their embroidery patterns from nature and from books and shared them among themselves. American embroidery patterns became more complex as leisure time and access to high-quality materials increased.
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Materials
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The earliest American embroideries were worked in linen thread, most commonly homespun and dyed with vegetable-based dyes. Wool and silk threads are occasionally seen; however, this is less common. Linen fabric was commonly used for samplers and other embroidered pieces, as it allowed for counted thread work. By the late 18th century, commercially produced cotton embroidery threads were available. Stiffened cotton needlepoint canvas was available by the early 19th century.
Stitches
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Embroidery stitches have remained largely the same throughout time; however, certain stitches were more popular in the American colonies than in Europe. In many cases, these stitches were favored because they used less embroidery thread than others, like satin stitch. Cross stitch, Deerfield stitch, and herringbone stitch were especially popular in America. Both counted thread work and surface embroidery were popular in early American embroidery patterns.
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History
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The earliest American colonists did not have time for embroidery, as survival required every waking hour. Sewing time and resources were limited to clothing and quilts. By the middle of the 17th century, settlements in the colonies reached the point that there was time enough for embroidery. Samplers and a variety of decorative embroideries were based on books, engravings and pattern books that made their way from Europe to the American colonies.
Samplers
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One of the most popular types of early American embroidery patterns is the sampler. The earliest samplers were not worked by children, but rather as examples of stitch patterns and designs. These samplers were typically quite narrow and might be worked on for many years. By the middle of the 18th century, young girls worked samplers, including the alphabet, numbers, floral patterns, various stitches and decorative borders.
Pattern Books
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Women in early America had access to a variety of early American embroidery patterns. They could use books, including those with botanical or bestiary engravings as the basis for embroidery patterns. Pattern books from Europe featured a variety of embroidery patterns and were available to the wealthy. These patterns were transferred to the fabric, and could be shared among the community.
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