Stuff You Missed in History Class Embroidery History Sampler, Part 2
Jan 21, 2026
Explore the fascinating history of embroidery, from blackwork techniques likely seen in Chaucer's tales to Opus Anglicanum's luxurious silk creations for churches. Discover the evolution of needlework samplers, including notable pieces like Jane Bostock's 1598 work and Laura Standish's American sampler. Delve into unique styles such as Japanese sashiko and the dazzling beetlewing embroidery of India, whose intricate craftsmanship captivated aristocracy. Join the conversation on modern embroidery's role in protest art and its therapeutic value in turbulent times.
34:23
Origins And Technique Of Blackwork
- Blackwork used black silk on light linen to create dramatic contrast and durable double-sided Holbein outlines.
- The stitch likely travelled from Morocco to Spain with the Moors and became strongly associated with English dress.
Opus Anglicanum's European Reach
- Opus Anglicanum featured delicate silk with gold and silver for highly detailed religious imagery made in London.
- Its prestige led churches across Europe to commission English ecclesiastical embroidery in the 13th–14th centuries.
Samplers As Practical Reference
- Samplers served as practical stitch reference pieces documenting techniques and favorite designs for reuse.
- They appear worldwide from at least the 14th century and reveal a stitcher's skill progression over time.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Blackwork and Chaucer's Reference
02:57 • 2min
Opus Anglicanum: England's Medieval Luxury
05:23 • 3min
Samplers: Practical Reference Pieces
08:30 • 2min
Ad break
10:48 • 3min
Notable Early Samplers: Jane Bostock
14:05 • 3min
Laura Standish and American Samplers
17:23 • 1min
Samplers, Alphabets, and Practical Marks
18:32 • 58sec
Crewel Embroidery and Wool Threads
19:30 • 3min
Ad break
22:31 • 3min
Broderers and Professional Bodies
25:47 • 2min
Hardanger and Whitework Geometry
27:20 • 32sec
Early Pattern Books and Printed Designs
27:52 • 1min
Ribbon Embroidery and Rococo Flourishes
29:10 • 31sec
Sashiko: Japanese Mending-Stitch Tradition
29:41 • 41sec
DMC and Commercial Embroidery Supplies
30:22 • 1min
Berlin Work and Gridded Patterns
31:36 • 44sec
Beetlewing Embroidery's Indian Origins
32:21 • 1min
Beetlewing Fashion and Colonial Demand
33:21 • 2min
Modern Beetlewing Sourcing
35:44 • 22sec
Royal School of Needlework Foundation
36:05 • 58sec
Embroiderers Guild Origins and Mission
37:04 • 37sec
Embroiderers' Guild of America
37:40 • 30sec
Guilds, Education, and Community Projects
38:10 • 27sec
Embroidery's Modern Revival and Protest Art
38:38 • 54sec
Crafting as Comfort in Turbulent Times
39:31 • 4min
Outro
43:14 • 2min
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Ein new Modelbuch...
Johann Schonsberger
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Ein Neue Firmbuchlein
Johann Schonsberger
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Needlework through History
An Encyclopedia
Catherine Amoroso Leslie
#1191
• Mentioned in 30 episodes
The Canterbury tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
The second part of the discussion of embroidery history covers blackwork and Opus Anglicanum, then embroidery samplers and beetle-wing embroidery.
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