| Crewel embroidery is a type of needlework that uses | | | | Before long, the popularity of crewel embroidery |
| crewel thread, which is actually a twisted woolen yarn. | | | | reached the shores of the United States. The nature |
| This rather thick thread is used to create very | | | | patterns that the English are so fond of also became |
| complex and elaborate designs. | | | | prevalent in American crewel embroidery. However, |
| Crewel embroidery was highly popular in Germany | | | | the subject of the needlework is more on forest |
| after the Protestant reformation. But the origin of | | | | animals that are more common on American land, |
| crewel embroidery is actually in London, and the peak | | | | such as rabbits and deer. |
| of its popularity was in the early 16th century. | | | | Because of the thickness of the thread, crewel |
| This was the time when Great Britain was constantly | | | | embroidery can be quite heavy. Thin fabrics simply |
| trading goods with India, and many crewel embroidery | | | | could not support the weight of the thread, so a thicker |
| enthusiasts began to include Indian elements in their | | | | and more durable kind of material is required if you |
| embroidery designs. | | | | want to make your own crewel embroidery project. |
| A typical crewel embroidery pattern from this age | | | | Usually, heavy cotton or linen will be able to handle the |
| would consist of objects from nature such as trees | | | | weight of the crewel thread. If you want to use softer |
| and living creatures. These are patterns that the | | | | kinds of cloth such as flannel, satin, or chiffon, then you |
| English have acquired from the Indian culture. | | | | should probably do a more dainty kind of needlework |
| At the same time, people from India have also started | | | | on those materials. |
| showing interest in crewel embroidery. They created | | | | There are also special needles that you would have to |
| their own designs that are largely based on the | | | | buy if you want to start doing crewel embroidery. |
| patterns that they have seen from the English. This | | | | These needles have a larger eye that can |
| combination of two very diverse cultures into a single | | | | accommodate the thickness of the crewel thread, and |
| art form is one of the many things that make crewel | | | | their edges are much sharper than regular embroidery |
| embroidery so extraordinary and special. | | | | needles. |