Crewelwork

Needlework embroidery, crewelwork, was a type of free style embroidery, using a variety of different long and short stitches, using 1-2 ply fine wool, cotton, or silk and a sewing needle. Sometimes patterns copied from German books, were printed on the linen fabric, and followed. It is not a counted thread craft like needlepoint. It started in the 17th century and passed on. Girls at the age of 7-8 would learn this technique. In Amana it was usually done in florals to decorate key holders, pillows, pictures, and runners.