Bed Hangings

Crewel Work Bed Hangings

The word 'crewel' refers to the actual wool used, rather than the type of stitches. It generally means two threads of wool twisted together to make one strand.

This kind of embroidery became very popular in the 17th Century, and although there were professional embroiderers employed by the rich, the work would also be done by members of the household, especially the ladies, with plenty of time on their hands. Having seen how dark some of the rooms were, and the terrible quality of lighting available though, if a lady were to busy her evenings with the needle, I hate to think what it would have done to her eyesight! Fortunately we are not working in original conditions in Staircase House, but in the comfortable and well lit Community Room.

The materials, however, are very much authentic, with wools dyed in the original processes being sourced from France. you can find out more about this on their website http://www.renaissancedyeing.com.

The linen too, is the same as that used nearly 400 years ago.

Sections of the Curtain being Stitched

Originally we all started off embroidering small designs of our choosing copied from an authentic pattern. As a result, lots of small pieces of work were completed and appliqued (cut out and sew on with an outline which makes it look original to the fabric) on to the large linen curtain which had been stretched onto a frame.

Stitchers Busy Working on the Bed Hanging 2006

Work progressed considerably in a year, this picture taken, November 2007

By March 2008, the curtain had been rolled on to start work further up, allowing a brief glimpse at the full work so far.

Crewel Curtain 08

In November 2008 the first full curtain was finally completed!

Work is now continuing on two more curtains.

These pictures were taken in January 2009 of the two new frames

Stockport Heritage Trust

Protecting the Past for Future Generations