AN INITIATIVE OF CRAFT REVIVAL TRUST.  Since 1999
Canvas work

Embroidery

Canvas work

Canvas work

Describes any form of embroidery worked on a stiff, open-weave canvas as opposed to other fabrics, most often in a simple tent (diagonal or ‘half cross’) stitch. Generally, canvas work designs completely cover the canvas and rely on the use of different-coloured yarns to create pattern. ‘Petit point’ describes canvas work that uses the tiny stitches on canvas with the highest thread count. Often used to create areas of detail, this technique was used by Mary Queen of Scots in the embroideries she made to pass the time during her long imprisonment by her cousin, Elizabeth I. Canvas work was a popular domestic craft for women from the 16th century onwards, being used to make bed hangings, decorative hangings, cushion covers and upholstered furniture.