Technique Broderie anglaise
Broderie anglaise, meaning ‘English embroidery’, is a form of whitework or cutwork with small eyelets arranged in groups of floral or geometrical patterns. The designs are created by piercing round or oval holes through a fine plain-weave cotton or linen fabric, then finishing the edges with tonal embroidery, often using a buttonhole stitch.
Technique Broderie anglaise
Broderie anglaise, meaning ‘English embroidery’, is a form of whitework or cutwork with small eyelets arranged in groups of floral or geometrical patterns.
The technique originated in 16th-century Central Europe but was popularised in Britain during the mid- and late 19th century. Traditionally used for nightwear, women’s underclothing and children’s wear, fabrics patterned with broderie anglaise are now common in all types of ready-to-wear.
The designs are created by piercing round or oval holes through a fine plain-weave cotton or linen fabric, then finishing the edges with tonal embroidery, often using a buttonhole stitch. The technique goes by several different names and is sometimes referred to as ‘Madeira work’.