Vintage Crewel
Crewel and the case for vintage kits.
Crewel embroidery on bed curtain panel, British, early 18th century (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Crewel from Erica Wilson’s Embroidery Book
First, some basic terms:
Crewel Work
Crewel is that done with a worsted (twisted) wool thread and is generally more textural. When we think of Crewel embroidery we usually picture very traditional, or Jacobean designs. Think, scrolling vines, tree-of-life motifs, the Bayeux Tapestry (see below). I think of crewel as being a very heavy, thick way of working. I picture all the medieval women toiling away on thick wool coverlets or the odd fire screen. The stitches are the same as a more modern embroidery, just done with thicker materials. And, because most were done with wool, very few have survived. More modern Crewel can be done with wool or acrylic.
Closeup of the Bayeux Tapestry
Embroidery:
What we now just call “Embroidery” is usually done with a cotton or silk thread, tends to be more delicate, and lays flatter on the cloth. For the most part crafters are doing embroidery for decorations or wall art since we don’t need the heavy woolens of the past.
Of course, these are not rules. You can embroider with wool and silk an acrylic and cotton all one the same piece. If you are like me, you use what you have and whatever material suits the work.
In recent years I have started collecting and working some “vintage crewel” kits that I have bought on ebay and etsy. One of my favorite past-time / killing-time things to do is browse the kits for sale online.
If you are somewhat new to embroidery I think that these can be great places to start. Here's why:
Vintage kits are generally affordable and come with everything except the hoop and scissors.
The material is already printed, so no need to transfer a design.
Some of the kits are very traditional, and some are very kitschy and fun. There is a huge range.
The instructions are a little vague. Here me out on this one. It will force you to learn a new stitch or try making a sample. It might force you to undo stitches and start over. For me, this is a great, low stakes, lesson.
Unusual color combos. I am a big fan of the kits from the 70’s and their very vibrant colors. I like seeing what they choose and incorporating it into my own palette.
You can always change a color if you want, I won't tell.
It's eco-friendly! You are buying something that already exists. You are using what the world already has. No new materials. If you want you can even narrow your search for sellers in your area and reduce the carbon footprint even more.
These kits come in a variety of sizes, so you can start small or make one that takes up half the wall.
Some of them are very funny. Lots of cats on window sills, jaunty sailing scenes, or jars of carrots. There are a ton of holiday images too if that is your thing.
Most of the kits that I have bought have acrylic yarn. While it may not be my favorite thing to work with, the colors do not fade. The yarn will not decay in the same way wool or cotton would.
Tip: If you are looking at ebay or etsy for kits, try searching “vintage crewel kits.” Or some of the companies that made them, Paragon Stitching, Spinnerin, Bucilla, Dimensions.
A kit on my wishlist, Bucilla Verdant Garden
Have you ever tried a vintage kit? Would you? If you do, and post to Instagram, please tag it with #stitchinglikeamothercrewel. I’d love to see what you make!
