How to Sew
Here you will find instructions on how to sew six different techniques of Hedebo Embroidery.
Counted Thread Work
Counted Thread Work is similar to satin stitch, but it is important to count the threads of the fabric that are being embroidered. The stitches are always either vertical or horizontal i.e. they follow the warp and weave of the fabric.
The instructions and diagrams are for beginning a large star.
Sew a star in Counted Thread Work:
Drawn Thread Work
Textiles with Drawn Thread Work are preserved from the second half of the 1700’s. The women pulled out large bands of threads along the width of the fabric and then embroidered figures e.g. animals and trees on the open network. Drawn Thread Work is also known from Renaissance Italy.
Square Cut work
A new variety of Hedebo Embroidery appeared during the first decade of the 1800’s. It was named Square Cut work. Threads of the fabric were cut within small squares and when grouped together, they produced open figures depicting animals, people and trees. In this technique, small squares shape the motif as opposed to Drawn Thread Work, where the filling of the squared network forms the motif.
Sew a small motif in Square Cut Work:
"Hvidsøm"
“Hvidsøm” developed just after Square Cut Work. It expanded on the geometric pattern of cut squares, combing them with free flowing tendrils of flowers and leaves. Inspiration came from the Baroque style.
Sew a small motif in “hvidsøm”:
"Baldyring"
The delicate, intricate network of “Hvidsøm” developed into “Baldyring” around 1840. Open, drawn areas of the fabric were filled with needle lace and were surrounded by a tendrils and leaves. “Baldyring” has similarities to Italian Reticella embroidery and is inspired by the Rococo style.
Sew a small motif in “baldyring”:
Hedebo Cut Work
Hedebo Cut Work developed around the year 1850. Holes were cut in the fabric and they did not follow the warp or weave. The holes were filled with needlelace and were the essence of the motif. In Reverse Hedebo Cut Work, motives were cut out of linen fabric and the small pieces of fabric were then linked with needlelace and “Hedebo Rings”.
Sew a round hole in Hedebo Cut Work:
Hedebo Rings
This guide with drawing and text shows how to sew a Hedebo ring around a Hedebo stick. The Hedebo ring can, for example, be sewn for a button.
