Pulled-Thread Sampler

Day 127: Yesterday, we examined hardanger, in which the threads of the foundation cloth are removed to form holes in the finished work. Pulled-thread embroidery is very similar, but for the most part, the threads of the even-weave fabric base are left intact. The working thread is pulled up tightly to create open areas in it. Here, several different stitches are displayed in a 48-count sampler. The three rows on the border have had threads removed, with the cut ends re-woven into the base cloth. However, the center has not and, in the execution of pulled-thread work, the route of the working thread must be planned with care to keep it from showing on the face of the needlework. More commonly seen than the lacework shown here, hemstitching is a very basic form of pulled-thread work.