CROCHET/BRODERIE ANGLAISE, MAT

This beautifully hand stitched circular linen doyley in Broderie Anglaise technique, has an unusual crochet edge which resembles needlelace edging, Australia circa 1920s.

Broderie Anglaise, French for English embroidery, is a cutwork /whitework technique. The work consists of patterns of open worked spaces, varying in size and shape traced onto closely woven fabric. Running stitch is first worked around the round or oval holes (eyelets). Each hole is made as work progresses, either cut or pierced with a stiletto, a sharp-pointed tool. The edges are then stitched with overcast stitch or buttonhole stitch.