Berlin charts were used for embroidery that would cover a wide range of objects, including soft furnishings (chair seats and backs), cushions, curtains, footstools, fire-screens, ‘paintings’, as well as items of clothing and accessories such as bags, belts, book covers, caps, purses, slippers, tobacco pouches (and nappy baskets, see the illustration), just about anything that could be covered.

Berlin work design for a slipper. Published by Sijthoff, Leiden, The Netherlands (1860s - 1870s; TRC 2018.1596). For more information, click on the illustration.

Nappy basket decorated with Berlin wool work, mid-19th century (Rijksmuseum Amsterdam). For more information, click on the illustration for the Rijksmuseum online catalogue.