The CREWEL collection

The history of Crewel Embroidery:

Crewelwork is a very old embroidery technique. Dating back more than a thousand years, it was recognised in England in the 17th and 18th centuries. Then it was in the United States that Crewel embroidery took off, from 1896 to 1926.

Crewel embroidery is very technical as it is a loose style of embroidery that requires specialised equipment to ensure that the wool holds tightly to the fabric: an embroidery hoop to stretch the fabric and a needle with a large eye, a wide body and a fine point. The wool used is worsted wool, i.e. wool that has been refined.

The evolution of Crewel embroidery:

In the past, embroidery was used for drapes or bed curtains. Today it is used to decorate cushions, clothing, lampshades or canvas handbags.

Crewel embroidery works can be found in the Jamtlands Lans Museum in Sweden: Overhogdal tapestry from the 11th and 12th centuries.

From 1601 onwards, the British began to decorate cushion covers. The designs were mainly garden motifs, stems, branches or flower motifs. The aim was to brighten up the living room.

In the time of Mary Stuart II, crewel embroidery was mainly done on bed hangings. The most used colours were the primary colours: green, blue, yellow, pinkish red and brown. As time went by, the motifs evolved: trees, fauna and flora, then Chinese motifs.

The crewel was later revived in the late 19th century in the United States by the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework in the arts and crafts era.

The particularity of embroidery:

Crewel embroidery stands out because of its technique, the embossed and coloured patterns on a linen fabric. The designs are often traditional but have been modernised in recent years.

The crewel collection from My Little Château:

Our collection of Crewel cushions is based on the incredible fabric created by a great Japanese artist who works for Hermès. Everything is combined to make an exceptional fabric that leaves no one indifferent. It is easy to match thanks to the multiplicity of its colours. The embroidery work, beautifully executed by hand, gives it a unique relief. It is a real eye-catcher in the home.