Surface embroidery is any form of embroidery in which the pattern is worked using decorative stitches and laid threads on top of the foundation fabric or canvas rather than through the fabric; it is contrasted with canvas work.
Much free embroidery is also surface embroidery, as are a few forms of counted-thread embroidery such as cross stitch.
Forms of surface embroidery include:
- Applique
- Art needlework
- Crewel embroidery
- Cross stitch
- Goldwork
- Jacobean embroidery
- Stumpwork
Examples of surface embroideries include:
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Quaker tapestry
Famous quotes containing the words surface and/or embroidery:
“If the man who paints only the tree, or flower, or other surface he sees before him were an artist, the king of artists would be the photographer. It is for the artist to do something beyond this: in portrait painting to put on canvas something more than the face the model wears for that one day; to paint the man, in short, as well as his features.”
—James Mcneill Whistler (1834–1903)
“It is, indeed, at home that every man must be known by those who would make a just estimate either of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honour, and fictitious benevolence.”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)