Surface embroidery is any form of embroidery in which the pattern is worked using decorative stitches and laid threads on top of the foundation fabric or canvas rather than through the fabric; it is contrasted with canvas work.
Much free embroidery is also surface embroidery, as are a few forms of counted-thread embroidery such as cross stitch.
Forms of surface embroidery include:
- Applique
- Art needlework
- Crewel embroidery
- Cross stitch
- Goldwork
- Jacobean embroidery
- Stumpwork
Examples of surface embroideries include:
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Quaker tapestry
Famous quotes containing the words surface and/or embroidery:
“Voluptuaries, consumed by their senses, always begin by flinging themselves with a great display of frenzy into an abyss. But they survive, they come to the surface again. And they develop a routine of the abyss: “It’s four o’clock ... At five I have my abyss.””
—Colette [Sidonie Gabrielle Colette] (1873–1954)
“It is, indeed, at home that every man must be known by those who would make a just estimate either of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honour, and fictitious benevolence.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)