In Schwalm whitework wide motif bands are often bordered by narrow borders and ornamental stitches. These are usually inconspicuous, but upon closer examination they show great creative ingenuity and true embroidery art. This is reason enough to take a closer look at these elements of Schwalm needleart.

I had the privilege to meticulously examine many historical pieces – mostly bodices, but also parade cushions, aprons and others. The pieces of traditional Schwalm whitework at my disposal were mostly from the 19th century; the oldest piece was dated 1821. Viewing these historical Schwalm whitework embroideries, one can often find curved or zig-zag lines of decorations in various arrangements. Upon closer examination, nearly all the embroideries had motif bands that included such ornamental stitches or narrow borders, which can be divided into three distinct categories:

  • “Kerrercher” (called ‘small chain’ by Anneliese Spieß, and in Schwalm it is also known as “Schlängchen” [curved line]).
  • Motif borders
  • Herringbone stitches

And all three appear in a wide range of variations.

In my new publication

Schwalm
Curved Lines,
Narrow Borders,
and Ornamental Stitches


you will find a General Overview of these embellishments and an explanation of the significance of curved or zig-zag lines in Schwalm embroidery. You will also find more than 50 pictures of historical borders. A graphic artist re-created the designs, and many of these are represented in different sizes for your use.

In addition to the historical borders, contemporary borders, inspired by historical Schwalm embroidered crowns and caps, are also represented. In all there are 142 design drawings and 88 different motifs!

Also included are illustrated step-by-step instructions for working the different variations of curved lines and ornamental stitches.

49 pages 102 different possibilities 66.183 KB file size (3 different pdf-files in all) Text: English 25.00 EUR download here

49 pages
102 different possibilities
66.183 KB file size (3 different pdf-files in all)
Text: English

25.00 EUR

download here

Of course it is also possible to get this publication as a printed booklet for the same price (25.00 EUR) plus shipping charges. This option is not shown in my shop, so please email me with your request.

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