Frisian Whitework

Delve into elegant Frisian whitework with historical whitework with 11 varied projects and expert instruction for left and right handed stitchers alike.

From Friesland in the Netherlands, this is a style of counted embroidery dating from the 1600s, traditionally used on men’s shirt collars, on household linen, and on samplers. The style is known as Frisian whitework, but there can be touches of color, and some samplers are worked fully in color. Alphabets, figurative motifs and geometric shapes are common, and they are interpreted in a wide variety of stitches, such as satin stitch, eyelets, whipped back stitch, and chain stitch; some also with cutwork and drawn thread work.

Explore this beautiful style of embroidery using whitework specialist, Yvette Stanton’s clear instructions. The book features:
A detailed introduction to Frisian whitework with historical and cultural information, including many photos of historical examples of Frisian whitework from the collection of the Fries Museum, helps to place the embroidery within its cultural context. Materials and equipment11 varied projects with a range of contemporary applications, including two samplers, soft furnishings for the home, table linen, and small articles suitable to give as gifts. The left- and right-handed step-by-step stitch and technique instructions are easy to follow, making it easy to learn. Yvette Stanton’s expert instructions will help you on your way to making beautiful Frisian whitework embroidery.