A New Modelbook for Spanish Stitch by Kathleen Epstein

The 17th-century English band sampler is distinctive because of its orderly rows, or bands, of patterns worked down a narrow length of linen. Many of these patterns were embroidered in a reversible counted darning stitch that today is called double running or Holbein. In the 1600's, the technique was known as Spanish stitch. A New Modelbook for Spanish Stitch is a valuable introduction to the wealth of Spanish stitch patterns and single motifs found on 17th-century English samplers. The book features 80 designs of varying complexity collected from historical sources. Embroiderers will find the stitch instructions, including the use of pattern fillings and multiple colors, of particular interest. The author includes brief historical information and, for those who wish to create their own samplers, a discussion of modern materials.

{BACK}