History of Cross-Stitch.
Cross Stitch Example
The history of Cross-stitch goes back through the centuries when woven fabric was decorated with hand stitched thread. It is difficult to pin down an exact date as only a few examples of cross stitch have survived longer than about 1400 years.
It is however known that cross stitch is one of the oldest forms of needlework and can be seen in all regions throughout the world. Many folk and traditional museums show examples of clothing worked and decorated with cross-stitch technique of embroidery, especially through the regions of Europe and Asia.
Basically cross stitch is a type of counted thread embroidery; it is dated as far back as the 6th or 7th century. It was mainly used to decorate household items using floral, geometric patterns to create interesting patterns. Usually worked and seen in red and black cotton thread on linen fabric of the day. Dry desert air in Egypt preserved the oldest known cross-stitch work which was found in a Coptic tomb in Upper Egypt. The cotton material was conserved by the dry conditions. These Coptic tombs were build by Christians during the Roman occupation of Egypt.
Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish first wife of Henry VIII has introduced black-work in England. Black-work is considered to have predisposed the development of cross-stitch. Catherine of Aragon used to stitch her impression in the King’s shirts.
The most common cross stitching work were usually in a form of a prayer or a aphorism. In 1797 children from the orphan’s school nearby Kolkata in West Bengal were given the assignment of mending the longest chapter in the Bible with cross-stitch, the 19th psalm.
Traditionally, cross-stitch embroidery was used to decorate household items like dish-cloths, household linens, and doilies ( only small portion actually be embroidered, such as a border etc.). Even though there are many cross-stitching workers who still employ it in this fashion, especially in Europe, it is now getting popular to simply embroider pieces of fabric and hang them on the wall for beautification.
Also during the 17th century the printing of model books become more available in Europe and America the function of samplers changed. They developed this into educational tools, where samples stitched by children were used to teach others the skills of needlework essential to young girls. Improved and developed skills to be used as a house wife in decorating household linen and clothing.
The history of Cross-stitching continued when it was re-discovered in the sixties. This was because there was increased relaxation time and focus was once again on the home. And so the renewed interest of counted cross-stitch and new creative ideas.
