Rosalie's Medieval Woman

Medieval Embroidery

sorry, still haven't updated yet..

I've been so busy! sorry!

Fine silk and gold embroidery was another socially acceptable pastime for women of all classes.

Just as many women today enjoy sewing for pleasure and not because they need to, the medieval woman also enjoyed fine needlework and it was considered among a woman's finest achievements if she was accomplished at embroidery.

Embroidery was an acceptable pastime of the noble lady and indeed it was considered one of her finer accomplishments. Many of the embroidery techniques used in the middle ages are still in use today- couching, split stitch and appliqué. Although this could also be a more practical employment for wages, most women were able to demonstrate their fine needlework on veils, bags, belts, garters and girdles. Much of this kind of embroidery was done for enjoyment.

The finest of these was called Opus Anglicanum and it came from England.

Opus Anglicanum

Info to go here.... Image dated around 1340 from France. Both sides are stitched with Opus Anglicanum.

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