Frisian Whitework

From Friesland in the Netherlands, this is a style of counted embroidery dating from the 1600s. It was traditionally used on men’s shirt collars, household linen, and samplers.

Whitework is usually stitched in white thread on white fabric and most Frisian whitework is worked this way. However, this technique can also have touches of colour, and some samplers are worked entirely in coloured thread. 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 how Frisian whitework featured on clothing and other textiles, and study the many photographs featuring historical examples. Yvette guides you though the stitches and techniques of Frisian whitework with clear step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams, ensuring you'll have the confidence and skills to master ten original projects, from small through to large, with a range of useful and beautiful applications.