Jacobean Crewel Embroidery

An example of Jacobean Crewel Embroidery
The above picture is from the book Jacobean Embroidery by Ada Wentworth Fitzwilliam and A. F. Morris Hands.

Jacobean embroidery is often symbolized by scrolling floral or fanciful pastoral scenes that were popular during the 1700s. They can be seen on both hung tapestries, bed coverings and home furnishings.

 This image is from the book Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving, by Grace Christie. "Plate VIII.—A portion of a large XVIIth Century Linen Hanging, embroidered with coloured wools."

They can be easily recreated today with kits from designers who specialize in the art and authentic reproduction of Jacobean crewel embroidery, and historical needlework. This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some of my favorite designers for this style of embroidery and styles that are similar in fashion.

Crewel Work Company: Designer Phillipa Turnbull. Based in
Pembroke House, Appleby-in-Westmorland, near the English Lake District in the UK.

Hedgehog Handworks: Online supplier of historical reproduction supplies. Based in Westchester, CA USA.

Berlin Embroidery Designs: Kits with tradtional designs, created by Tanja Berlin. Besides traditional Jacobean and modern Jacobean designs, you'll also find goldwork, shadow work and blackwork and white work kits. Based in Canada.

Jacobean in Crewel by Mindy English: From the National Academy of Needlearts, a great example of Jacobean crewel embroidery.


Renee Shelton.