Hedebo Embroidery Elements
The different variations of Hedebo Embroidery demand the use of different types of embroidery tech-niques and skills. Every variation was built upon former and newly- added techniques and shapes. A finished piece of Hedebo Embroidery consisted of different elements: hemstitching, plaited warps, and Hedebo edges which all encircle or finish the central embroidery. It was the finished article as a whole which gave Hedebo Embroidery its unique character in both technical and cultural history terms.
Plaited warps are characteristic endings on early Hedebo Embroidery. Here a loose plaited warp.
Characteristic Edgings
In addition to the different variations, a whole series of complex techniques are characteristic elements of Hedebo Embroidery. First of all, there were plaited warps and Hedebo edges which often finished off decorative towels and ‘knædug’. They were later replaced by bought versions of machine-made fringes and bobbin work. Secondly, a whole series of needle lace was used in “Baldyring” and “Udklipshedebo” in the open work fillings. This technique was the main part of reverse “Udklipshedebo”. Essential elements in needle lace were the sewn Hedebo rings, for which a special tool was developed. Some of these embroideries consisted almost entirely of Hedebo rings seamed together, often in the form of a Hedebo wheel or rosette.
Technical Challenges
For the individual variation in a piece of embroidery, a needle woman had to master a whole series of stitch types. In the seven variations we divide Hedebo Embroidery into, about fifteen different types of stitch, or of small elements such as stiletto holes and knots, have been identified. Some stitching types were used in several variations and also in new forms. This is true, for example, of satin stitch, which is seen in counted thread work, “Hvidsøm” and “Baldyring”. Stiletto holes were part of counted thread work and also of the much later “Udklipshedebo”. “Hvidsøm” was the variation which included most of the different stitch types. It was also the Hedebo Embroidery which was the most unique, and, in the earlier literature, it was thought to be the’ real’ Hedebo Embroidery. In both drawn thread work and square cut work only three stitch types are used. On the other hand, a great deal of patience is demanded for square cut work as the small squares which form the motifs need marking and cutting out. Thus every variation had its challenges.
Known Elements
On many pieces of Hedebo Embroidery one can see sewn monograms and dates. If the monograms and dates are not a part of the embroidery itself, they are usually sewn in blue and red cross stitch and surrounded by a wreath. In many of the variations, hemstitching of different kinds is used to separate the embroidery borders. Sometimes the seams are in false hemstitching, which serves to sew together different pieces of material, especially in decorative towels and “knæduge”.
