Crewel – A special kind of embroidery done with a hook known as crewel is commonly used for drapery and upholstery. Rows of chain stitch done with hook from solid patterns usually rotating from centre & creating an embossed effect to add richness to the textile.
Crewel embroidery is done on thick material popularly used for furnishing and usually carries floral and creeper designs. The designs are available in assortment of colours ranging from a single colour to multi colour embroidery. The width of the material is 54 inches and is available in running meterage. The price is related with the amount of embroidery done on the material. This craft is also available on bed spreads in various sizes ranging from single to king size.
This type of embroidery is age old Back to the 13th century the word crewel can be found in the English records. It is thought to have come from the east of Egypt, than to France and Rome, where it traveled with the Roman conquests. By definition, it is the application of a variety of stitches to the surface of fabric, following a design applied to the fabric.
Designs :
Designs range from the traditional to the more contemporary patterns. The most traditional design features a style known as the Jacobean style. It features floral and animal motifs, with vines and leaves twining about. Crewel embroidery uses a variety of stitches, including satin, long and short, chain, French knot and vine stitch.
Crewel Embroidery
Kashmir has age old tradition of skilled crafts mostly done by hand. It has a unique grace and elegance especially crewel embroidery.
It carefully highlights uniformity and consistency in stitches with fine thread knots. It is mostly done with chain stitches with delicacy of details, the motifs are generally floral, tree of life, birds, geometrical and animal motifs etc.
Crewel embroidery in Kashmir
In India, crewel embroidery has been a timeless art, mostly done by skilled craftsmen in the valley of Kashmir. The elegant art form specializes in uniform and consistent stitches done patiently with fine thread knots.