A Portuguese sample book

Some cross stitch patterns from a Portuguese sample book (17th century; chart by Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, based on MMA 25.92). Some cross stitch patterns from a Portuguese sample book (17th century; chart by Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, based on MMA 25.92).

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has an early seventeenth century sample book from Portugal (MMA 25.92). It is filled with numerous small pieces of actual embroidery worked on a linen ground using silk yarns in various colours.

The samples were stitched together and then made into the booklet that is loosely bound. The book constitutes a fascinating compendium of stitches and designs used in early 17th century Portugal. A variety of stitches are represented in the book, including bullion stitch, cross stitch, double running stitch (Holbein stitch), satin stitch, various types of knots, as well as reticella and drawn thread work.

See also a TRC blog of 23 August 2020 by Gillian Vogelsang, 'A 17th century Portuguese sample book.'

WV, 9 May 2021.

Last modified on Friday, 14 May 2021 18:19
Published in Designs and design books
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