Opus Anglicanum literally means English Work. This was the name for a period of English embroidery that was renowned throughout Europe and beyond. It only came to an end when the Black Death swept across the world, wiping out most of the English embroiderers skilled in this technique and leaving the way open for the quicker, and therefore cheaper, techniques of tapestry shading and surface couching of metal threads from abroad to take precedence.
Opus Anglicanum made use of split stitch in silk floss for the figures, along with backgrounds worked in either underside couching, laid work (also known as Bayeux stitch) or counterpoint underside couching, worked in either metal threads or silk floss. This kit is designed to introduce you to a number of different background patterns as a starting point to this beautiful technique.
The kit includes the design transferred onto a square of a calico, silk floss in a range of lustrous shades, metal thread, linen thread, full instructions with stitch diagram & stitch guide, beeswax and an embroidery needle. All kept tidy in a neat little box. (Please note, I used silk shades that I had to hand. Your kit will contain different, but complementary, shades to those above.)
If just purchasing the Instructions & Diagram, these will be sent to you via email and will comprise comprehensive instructions with images, stitch guide, diagram with key and full sized design. Please select Instructions Only at checkout for free 'delivery' by email.
The finished embroidery measures approximately 12cm wide by 16cm high.
Please also see 'Matilda' and 'Edgar' in the Opus technique.
Suitable for all skill levels.
Opus Anglicanum Laid & Couched Sampler Kit
calico
silk threads
metal thread
linen thread
beeswax
needle
stitch guide
detailed diagram
comprehensive instructions