New eBook: long-armed cross-stitch counted thread embroidery from the Middle Ages

For the past couple of weeks, I have been working on a new eBook. Ever since I came across the 12th-century chasuble that inspired it, I wanted to promote this ancient embroidery technique that is now little known in the embroidery world. Contrary to popular belief, the cross-stitch wasn't a popular stitch before the 16th century. Instead, other counted stitches were used in creating magnificent pieces of stitched art in the medieval period. One of these stitches is the long-armed cross-stitch. A bit more 'up-market' than the modern cross-stitch as it creates a pretty braided effect. And very well suited as a filling stitch. Both on the grid and off the grid! Let me show you what I created by using this lovely stitch and the pretty geometric patterns from the chasuble.

Medieval long-armed cross-stitch on a phone cover

This is a VERY opulent phone case that I created using the embroidery technique and patterns from my new eBook. It is very well in keeping with medieval tradition: it is completely OTT :). Densely stitched in silks, seams covered with amethyst beads and a damask lining. I would have been a really cool Acupictrix back in the 12th century sporting a case like this :).

Medieval long-armed cross-stitch on a phone cover

If you like to read about the history of embroidered pieces than this eBook is for you! The 20-page PDF includes nine new pictures of the historical vestments not previously published on my blog. And for those of you who want to learn the ropes on long-armed cross-stitch, there are several clear stitch diagrams so you can easily replicate the stitch left to right, right to left, top to bottom and bottom to top. And last but not least, the eBook comes with stitch diagrams for 36 different geometric patterns found on the original 12th-century chasuble! You could stitch them all on a big sampler or do as I did and use a few to decorate an item.

Medieval long-armed cross-stitch eBook

Would you need expensive materials to recreate these patterns? Absolutely not! You probably have all you need already in your stash. Some type of evenweave fabric or even aida and a matching embroidery thread. The pretty braid created by the long-armed cross-stitch works best when you use a non-devisable thread like perle or cotton a broder. However, multiple strands of stranded cotton do the job just fine too. And if you prefer to work the geometric patterns in cross-stitch instead, I won't be hurt :). They work just as well in modern cross-stitch as they do in its ancient cousin long-armed cross-stitch. You can purchase your copy of the eBook here.

Each and every purchase is much appreciated! These are challenging times for small businesses. I am very committed to bring you quality digital products as we presently can't gather live for classes or workshops. Please support my work with your purchase and keep me in business. Thank you.