DRAWN THREAD, SAMPLER

An exquisite sampler, beautifully hand embroidered, showcasing the drawn thread technique with patterns and finishing. Made by a WA Embroiderers’ Guild tutor in late 20th century.

Drawn thread is a form of open whitework where threads are withdrawn (pulled out) from an evenweave fabric, the edges secured, normally by weaving the withdrawn threads back into the ground fabric or buttonhole stitch the cut ends. The remaining warp or weft threads are embellished with stitches.

Drawn thread work is one of the earliest forms of open work hand embroidery, and has been worked throughout Europe. Originally it was often used for ecclesiastical items and to ornament shrouds.

In Italy it preceded the development, in the 16th century, of needle lace.

The plethora of women’s magazines in the late 19th century and early 20th C, with patterns and instructions, made this embroidery technique very popular for household linen and female costume.