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Category: Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery is a beautiful and intricate art form that has been around for centuries. It involves using a needle and thread to create detailed designs on fabric. Countless stitches can be used to achieve different textures and effects, making each piece of embroidery unique.

If you are interested in hand embroidery for religious purposes, Ecclesiastical Sewing is an excellent choice. They offer a wide range of materials, designs, and resources to help you create stunning religious embroidery. Whether you are looking to create an altar frontal, a chasuble, or other liturgical vestments, Ecclesiastical Sewing has everything you need.

One of the great things about hand embroidery is that it is a very portable craft. You can take your embroidery with you and work on it almost anywhere. It’s a great way to pass the time while traveling or waiting for appointments.

Another benefit of hand embroidery is that it is a very relaxing and meditative activity. Many people find that stitching helps them unwind and de-stress after a busy day. Plus, creating something beautiful with your hands is always satisfying.

Truly, hand embroidery is a wonderful craft that offers a range of benefits. Whether you are looking to create something beautiful for your home or your church, Ecclesiastical Sewing has everything you need to get started. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?

Silver Check Thread

Time is Ticking Away

The ongoing Advent Vestment Set faces challenges in couching stitches. The Silver Check Thread, with its non-tarnish finish, offers a sparkle and shine in following curves, holding edges, and concealing stitches. Despite awaiting additional thread supplies, the emphasis remains on completion rather than rushing, with the Ecclesiastical Embroidery project.

Color guide on a hand embroidery pattern

Rare Find Part II

The Monastery’s Ecclesiastical Embroidery Designs are truly amazing. What stands out is that many of these beautiful designs originated from understanding of geometry, design, scale and proportion. The Sisters, who created these designs, studied theology, understood the history and meaning behind symbols, and skillfully combined all this knowledge to create stunning Ecclesiastical Designs.

Some Drawings of Ancient Embroidery by Mary Barber

A Rare Find

Passionate about Ecclesiastical Embroidery, I’ve collected rare books and found a rare to find book by Mary Barber entitled  Some Drawings of Ancient Embroidery and received three sample designs from a closing monastery’s Art Needlework Department. The designs, featuring a Rose and Thorn, IHC, and Sword and Keys, offer a glimpse into the artistry of Ecclesiastical Embroidery.

Framing and Tracing Altar Frontal Star

Advent Star Stitching Underway

Starting a new Advent project for the church with a Star design. Quickly framed the Altar Frontal design and now onto the fun part – stitching with shiny Silver Metallic Threads. Exploring different options like Smooth Passing, Silver Twists, Check Thread, and Rococo to outline the Advent Star. The aim is to make it shimmer and shine with various textures and to create a beautiful Altar Frontal, Chalice Veil, and Pulpit Fall for Advent season.

Church Hand Embroidery Pattern for Advent, Advent Altar Hanging and Pulpit Fall Ideas

Advent Altar Hanging and Pulpit Fall Ideas

Ecclesiastical Sewing takes a break from finishing the Monk’s Habit to brainstorm Advent Altar Hanging and Pulpit Fall Ideas. Current hangings are deemed unsatisfactory, prompting a plan for an interim Advent Set using machine embroidery on Silk Dupioni fabric. The proposed design includes stars, Alpha and Omega, and Chi-Rho symbols. Time constraints pose a challenge, but the aim is to complete the project using a beautiful blue Silk Dupioni fabric and possibly incorporating Silver Elizabethan Twist thread for added shimmer.

Goldwork threads ready for plunging on IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design

IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery A Little Progress

Working on the IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery with gold threads is exciting. The sparkle and shine bring joy, but dealing with the cross ends is a bit tricky. Inspired by a vintage banner, branching gold threads from the center and facing challenges with plunging through three fabric layers. Considering adjustment for the better results. Happy stitching dreams!

Complete Blue Sky Background on Small Agnus Dei Embroidery Project, The Tale of Two Lambs

From the Beginning in The Tale of Two Lambs

Starting with a small Agnus Dei hand embroidery design, The Tale of Two Lambs turned into two projects – in sizes small and large. Limited Ecclesiastical designs led to this traditional choice. The smaller Agnus Dei, at 8 1/2″, fits a chasuble’s back. As the project continued, minor changes improved the second design. The small lamb’s hill, initially stitched in camouflage green, became serene blue. Using Soie Ovale for the sky presented challenges, but the finished product was pleasing. Careful placement of gold passing thread helped secure the silk strands, enhancing the design.

Ecclesiastical Embroidery Easter Set Pulpit Fall, Stitching

A Little Stitching Time

Progress on the Easter Set Pulpit Fall showcases intricate goldwork using Elizabethan Twist. The careful manipulation of the gold thread adds to the elegance. Soie Ovale silk thread in Creme complements the goldwork, and the laying tool aids in achieving a smooth finish. Balancing the gold thread and maintaining precision are ongoing challenges.

New Ecclesiastical Embroidery Pattern

Future Projects Design Time

Working on a design for the Rose Vestment Set, specifically for Gaudete Sunday and Laetare Sunday. The IHS Ecclesiastical Embroidery pattern is simple yet elegant, featuring the symbolic IHS with a cross, framed by quatrefoil designs. The meticulous transfer process is underway, using a homemade pricker and pounce method. Looking forward to the stitching phase and hoping this pattern adds beauty to Rose Vestments in worship.