Disclaimer:
Anyone who is researching German embroidery from the SCA period should be prepared to encounter symbols that have been adopted by hate groups (eg swastikas). Due to the modern meaning and associations these symbols have it is inappropriate to include them in our designs regardless of how "accurate" it is.
When present and where possible these symbols have been cropped out of photos of artifacts. When such a solution is not possible, only a link has been provided.
Intro:
The stitch is called German brick stitch in English speaking circles, and much material has been written by SCAdians about reproductions made. Scandinavian and German speaking sources call it "flat-stitch" and some sources claim it as uniquely belonging to their culture, though it appears in many artefacts from a large geographic area.
This is most definitely a counted style, even when the shapes being filled are irregularly shaped. This technique lends itself well to repeating geometric shapes.
Anyone who is researching German embroidery from the SCA period should be prepared to encounter symbols that have been adopted by hate groups (eg swastikas). Due to the modern meaning and associations these symbols have it is inappropriate to include them in our designs regardless of how "accurate" it is.
When present and where possible these symbols have been cropped out of photos of artifacts. When such a solution is not possible, only a link has been provided.
Intro:
The stitch is called German brick stitch in English speaking circles, and much material has been written by SCAdians about reproductions made. Scandinavian and German speaking sources call it "flat-stitch" and some sources claim it as uniquely belonging to their culture, though it appears in many artefacts from a large geographic area.
This is most definitely a counted style, even when the shapes being filled are irregularly shaped. This technique lends itself well to repeating geometric shapes.
Extant Examples:
Uses:
There were many uses, from décor (wall hangings and cushions), to accessories such as pouches, to ecclesiastical (alter frontals, corporal box, maniples, stoles etc).
Time/Place:
Surviving examples are mostly dated in the 14th to 15th century with a few listed as 13th century. There may be a justification for including some 12th century wall hangings.
Mostly made in Westphalia/Lower Saxony (mka Germany). Though some examples from Norway have been found.
Design Features:
Motifs - Best suited to geometric symbols arranged in a lattice work of lozenges.
Details - Lozenges are sized relative to the size of the item being covered.
Stitches - Brick Stitch.
Materials - Linen ground fabric (rarely actually evenweave) with silk floss in primary colours, white floss is often linen instead of silk.
Some pieces are wool on wool.
There were many uses, from décor (wall hangings and cushions), to accessories such as pouches, to ecclesiastical (alter frontals, corporal box, maniples, stoles etc).
Time/Place:
Surviving examples are mostly dated in the 14th to 15th century with a few listed as 13th century. There may be a justification for including some 12th century wall hangings.
Mostly made in Westphalia/Lower Saxony (mka Germany). Though some examples from Norway have been found.
Design Features:
Motifs - Best suited to geometric symbols arranged in a lattice work of lozenges.
Details - Lozenges are sized relative to the size of the item being covered.
Stitches - Brick Stitch.
Materials - Linen ground fabric (rarely actually evenweave) with silk floss in primary colours, white floss is often linen instead of silk.
Some pieces are wool on wool.