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Small IHC Hand Embroidery Design for Altar Linens

Altar Linen Projects – Beginnings

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This vintage Ecclesiastical Hand Embroidery Design, originating from a Boston monastery over 100 years ago, still bears the pounce powder from its original use. The intricately perforated design on thin tracing vellum paper is tiny—merely 2 to 3 inches in size. The IHC hand embroidery is elegantly simple and clean, sparking ideas for stitching options. Considerations include a trailing stitch for the outline with a seed stitch filling or even a straightforward split stitch outline.

Painted Church Banner from St. Ignatius Mission Montana

St. Ignatius Mission Banners

Embroidery is a perfect medium for use on banners, a true labor of love, provided there are skilled embroiderers available for the work required. But sadly, there were times when this level of devotion may not have been possible for a banner. When embroidery was not an option, banners were sometimes hand-painted like these Banners located at the Ursuline Center.

Back to Ecclesiastical Projects – Soon

  Back to Ecclesiastical Projects – Soon For all of you patiently waiting for a new post, never fear. The Ecclesiastical Sewing blog has not dropped off the face of the planet….or at least not quite. I have been enjoying a few weeks off with family, and visiting some remote places that are nearly off the map. Fortunately,  I have found my way out of the backcountry of Glacier Park and will be back to work posting new Ecclesiastical Sewing Projects next week. Until then, happy summer. Solo Dei Gloria… Read more Back to Ecclesiastical Projects – Soon →

Fair Linen with hand embroidered design done in whitework

Whitework Embroidery for Church Linens

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This antique Fair Linen, while stained, and scorched, with holes from a too-hot iron on one end, features a lovely hand-embroidered IHC motif in the center of the Altar Linen, surrounded by four smaller cross designs for the corners. Worked completely in white threads, the Ecclesiastical Embroidery is still lovely amid the linen stains of age.  The central hand embroidery design is relatively small, considering the Fair Linen is wide and long

Church Linen Scallop Edge of Lace trim on Altar Fair Linen

Altar Fair Linen with Lace Edge Trim

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This trim features a zig-zag design filled with star-shaped motifs. Notably, it has triangular peaks at the upper edge where it attaches to the Altar Linen. An interesting detail is the deep hem of the linen, matching the trim’s depth—around 5 to 6 inches. While this may seem unusual to modern eyes, older reference books mention long Fair Linens having deep hems, especially if they reach close to the floor. The added weight from a deep hem likely contributes to the Fair Linen hanging well.

Red Pentecost Stole Construction, Clergy Stole for Every Budget

Pastoral Stoles: How Much do They Cost?

To easily buy the Red Dupioni Silk for the stole base, opt for pre-cut “stole quarters” tailored for a 4″³ pastoral stole or wider/longer lengths for V-back and other styles. A pastoral “stole quarter” is around 14”³ wide by 60”³ long. Similar to quilters buying “fat quarters” for minimal waste, this is a smart approach. Instead of a 60”³ length of 45”³ or 54”³ wide fabric, you purchase just enough for one stole. costs under $20.

Measuring for tassels on a Priest or Pastoral stole

Pastoral or Priest Stole Ends: Fringe and Tassels

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Tassels and fringe make excellent finishes for stole ends, but there are tricks for both. For tassels, use a button-hole marker to ensure even spacing. Decide on the number of tassels and the desired distance from each end, then mark and pin them in place. Tassels have a small cord or loop at the upper edge; attach it evenly. Tack the cord on the back of the stole, ensuring even hanging. In the photo, gold rayon blend tassels were initially used but later replaced with metallic gold tassels.