INspiration Gallery: Hardanger Emboridery
By Twistie
(Image via Lynxlace, where you can find many more attractive images and instructions)
The first time I heard about Hardanger embroidery, it was described to me as ‘Hardanger lace.’ I can certainly see why people wanted to call it lace, with those pretty openwork areas. Still, it is technically a form of embroidery rather than a true lace… but if you call it lace, I won’t report you to the Crafts Correctness Police. I tossed their number yonks ago.
So what is Hardanger embroidery and how is it done? Basically you take a piece of 22 count evenweave fabric like this, available for just $2.99 in white or ivory from Roberts Crafts:
and some pearl cotton in sizes 5:
and make pretty patterns mostly using squares of satin stitch called kloster blocks.
Traditional Hardanger is done in white or ivory to match the background cloth, like this charming sugar and creamer mat, available as a kit from Nordic Needle:
but there’s no rule saying you can’t play with color, too. For instance, I love this piece done in variegated blue thread on a white background featured over at GimletBlog:
Whether you’re looking to make a tablecloth, a pretty edging for guest towels, a yoke for a dress or blouse, or some elegant sachets for your lingerie drawer, Hardanger is both beautiful and hard-wearing. What more could you want?
May 29th, 2012 at 8:10 am
I have my grandmother’s Hardanger apron. Don’t think she ever wore it because it’s still pure white – the softest linen I’ve ever come across.