The History of Counted Cross-Stitch
Counted cross-stitch is a form of embroidery that has been around for hundreds of years. Crafters create counted cross-stitch by following a pattern and stitching on unprinted even-weave fabric---such as Aida cloth or linen---using embroidery floss and a blunt needle. Samplers were popular in the 17th through 19th centuries, but today most counted cross-stitch features paintinglike scenes suitable for framing.
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Early Forms
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Counted cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery, according to the website "pinoystitch.org." The earliest known evidence of counted cross-stitch was found in an Egyptian tomb dating to 500 A.D., according to the website "classiccrossstitch.com." Counted cross-stitch was considered a form of folk art in Eastern Europe in the 6th and 7th centuries, according to the website "citycol.com," and was particularly popular in geometric and floral patterns. Early examples are quite rare because fabric and thread naturally decompose over time. Counted cross-stitch flourished in early Chinese culture between 618 and 906 A.D. during the T'ang Dynasty, according to "classiccrossstitch.com." The first cross-stitch pattern book was published in Germany in 1524.
Samplers
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Counted cross-stitch became more popular in the 16th century as part of embroidery samplers, according to the website "citycol.com." Jane Bostocke of England stitched the earliest known sampler in 1598, featuring the alphabet and animal and floral motifs, according to the website "classiccrossstitch.com." Samplers often featured stitched moral axioms, prayers or Bible quotations. By the 17th century, samplers were used to teach children how to stitch. By the time they were married, young women would be well-versed in many kinds of needlework, including counted cross-stitch, to decorate clothing and household linens. Counted cross-stitch was also used to embellish fireplace screens, bell pulls and pincushions.
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Oldest American Example
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The oldest known American-made counted cross-stitch sampler is currently in the collection of Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts, according to the website "pinoystitch.org." Captain Myles Standish's daughter Loara stitched it in 1653.
Popularity
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In the 1960s, increased leisure time led to a jump in the number of crafters who enjoyed decorative stitching as a hobby rather than a household chore, according to the website "citycol.com." In the 1970s and 1980s, counted cross-stitch was extremely popular among crafters, according to the website "Michaels.com," but soon fell out of favor in the following decades.
Modern Trends
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Today counted cross-stitch is again one of the most popular needlecrafts, according to the website "Michaels.com," most likely because it is simple to learn. Counted cross-stitch patterns are sold individually or as kits that include the pattern, fabric, needle and embroidery floss. Symbols on a chart correspond with an embroidery floss color or combination of colors. Cotton is the most popular thread used in counted cross-stitch, but today specialty threads made of rayon, silk, wool and metallics are readily available to embellish patterns, according to "pinoystitch.org." Although counted cross-stitch is still used to decorate household items, most patterns available today are meant to be framed as wall hangings.
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References
- Photo Credit cross-stitch image by Lytse from Fotolia.com
