Double Outlines (2) – Interlaced Straight Stitches

The most commonly used stitches for creating an area between two outlines, from the beginning of Schwalm whitework (ca. 1790) and still today, are interlaced Straight stitches. They are called “Schlängchen” (curved lines) in Schwalm. However, since interlaced Herringbone stitches are also called “Schlängchen” (curved lines), I have called them “Kerrercher” (= small chain [Anneliese Spieß]). There are different working methods for this stitch sequence. They can be found in my publication Schwalm Curved Lines, Narrow Borders, and Ornamental Stitches on pages 6–14.

On historical Schwalm whitework embroideries, one can often find curved or zig-zag lines of decorations in various arrangements. The wave symbolizes the inevitable ups and downs of life in its constant state of flux.

Often – but not always – the motifs have additional decorative stitches outside the row of interlace Straight stitches, such as half-eyelet scallops or Blanket stitch scallops.

See also:
Double Outlines (1) – Remaining Free Areas
Traditional Schwalm Whitework
Transition from Early to Later Schwalm Whitework (1)
Schwalm Whitework – Sunflowers
Schwalm Parade Cushion Border (A)
Traditional Schwalm Bodice (D) Embroidery

Double Outlines (1) – Remaining Free Areas

In Schwalm whitework, large motifs often contain a double outline. This makes the relationship between the inner surface and the edge appear more balanced, and the motifs appear more harmonious and less massive.

Be it concentric circles

or double outlines of hearts,

tulipsaund

baskets.

Further examples can be found in the adjacent “Free Designs” running tape.

Usually, but not always, they run completely around the motif. In the examples below, they only run along the sides and bottom of the tulips.

But how do you design such small bands?

There is a wide range of possibilities, which I will gradually show in blog posts.

The simplest option is to leave the area blank, as here on a parade cushion border that is more than a hundred years old.

These open spaces appear more striking when a contrast is created between the open space and adjacent lines.

This can be seen on a bodice sleeve border that is more than a hundred years old.

as well as on a contemporary tea cloth

There, chain stitches were embroidered over the lines using coarse thread on the finest linen batiste (better seen in the photo with a white background).

In the second example, chain stitches were worked on both sides in addition to the coral knot stitches that run along the lines.

The raised stitches create a nice contrast to the flat fabric, making the motif’s border design expressive.

Please see also:

Traditional Schwalm Whitework
Transition from Early to Later Schwalm Whitework (1)
Schwalm Whitework – Sunflowers
Schwalm Parade Cushion Border (A)
Traditional Schwalm Bodice (D) Embroidery

Activities

Today I can report on activities from the past, present, and future.

Recently, Elisabeth Erdmann presented her and her students’ work in an exhibition at the Karlstadt Museum.

The exhibition was well attended and there was great interest in the embroidery.

If you live nearby and would like to take a look around or join the group, please feel free to contact Elisabeth Erdmann at any time:

Registration for the open embroidery meeting:
Elisabeth Erdmann
Edelweißstr. 9, 97753 Karlstadt
Tel. 093 53 / 8330

————————————-

Until Sunday, Heike Götz from Binsdorf is exhibiting works of Schwalm whitework at the Museum of Folk Art in 72469 Meßstetten. She will be present during opening hours and will demonstrate the technique.

Heike Götz reports:
“We were surprised at the number of guests who came to the exhibition at the opening. Some people have already been to the exhibition three times.
Depending on the number of visitors, we even stayed longer.
Since I demonstrated how Schwalm embroidery “works” on lavender sachets, people were very surprised at how complex this embroidery is. I’ve often heard the comment that old needlework books don’t mention anything about Schwalm embroidery.
It’s also been well-received that I try to teach the children how to embroider as a “break worker.”

Museum für Volkskunst
Hangergasse 16
72469 Meßstetten

————————————-

On “Intangible Cultural Heritage Day” on October 17, 2025, Margarete Grandjot will hold a “Schwälmer Day.” In her studio, visitors will be able to see and experience everything related to this embroidery technique.

————————————-

If you are also planning an event on the topic of “Schwalm Whitework” for October 17, please let me know. I will forward the information to the German Commission for UNESCO. They will use their channels—website and newsletter—to raise awareness of your activities.

See also: A Small Exhibition
See also: Schwalm Whitework Currently

Filling Pattern – No. 583

category: simple drawn thread filling pattern
linen used: 13.5/cm thread-count
threads used: coton à broder No. 20
stitches used: Wave stitches
horizontal center axis: withdrawn thread line

First, remove the center fabric thread in the direction in which the pattern will later run.

Starting from the resulting withdrawn thread line, leave always 5 fabric threads and withdrawt one.

Again starting from the center thread line, skip a 5-thread group and withdraw the middle one of the next 5-thread group.

Then skip two 5-thread groups at a time and withdraw the middle one of the next 5-thread group.

This creates an alternation of two 5-thread groups with two 2-thread groups each.

Starting in the middle (here rotated by 90°), now work Wave stitches over 6 fabric threads in width,

both via the 5-thread groups

as well as the 2-thread groups.

By alternating two high and two flat rows of mosquito stitches, an interesting, easy-to-embroider striped pattern is created. This can be used both horizontally

and vertically, depending on the desired effect.

This pattern was embroidered by Yasuko Kobayashi from Japan. She also gave me permission to share it here.
Thank you so much for sharing, dear Yasuko!

See also: See What My Readers Have Embroidered in 2016!

Museum digital (1) – Tulip Sampler

Museum digital (1) – Tulip Sampler

For many years, I’ve been thinking about how I could enable embroiderers to see my exhibition without having to travel to Eschwege.
The videos on my website can give an impression. However, it’s difficult to discern the details of the embroidery from the images. Now I’ve developed a way to do just that.
Outstanding pieces are documented with many detailed photos. Each photo is accompanied by a description.
The pilot project is my Tulip Sampler. If it’s successful, I plan to launch more such projects with outstanding and interesting embroideries, both traditional and contemporary.
I make many things available on my website free of charge. However, it needs to be maintained, managed, and updated. I cover the costs.
Therefore, I ask for your understanding that such a time-consuming project as “Museum Digital” comes at a price – albeit a small one.
In return for the “Tulip Sampler,” you will receive 86 high-resolution photos that you can view at your leisure and recognize every detail. There’s a 22-page description included. By placing your order, you agree not to share or publish the photos in any way.

Museum digital (1)
Tulip Sampler
86 images
22 pages with descriptions of the images
Text: English
23 MB file size
5,00 €
Shop