Crewel work

Crewel work embroidery which is also known as Jacobean crewel work, reaching its peak in the 17th century in England, and later in America.

It is worked using traditional natural strong linen twill, and worsted crewel wool. Jacobean designs combine flowers, foliage, fruits, birds, beasts and animals, grown from a central stem from semi-circular hillocks based on the tree of life, with design elements usually out of proportion to one another. Colours employed are predominantly blues, browns, greens, and other shades which are generally softer tones. Crewel work is used for furnishings such as curtains, panels and cushions, and often worked on a large scale.