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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

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