I read someplace that counted work (i.e. stitching on a countable fabric) is considered easier to stitch than free embroidery (i.e stitching on any fabric). That’s the reason why it was taught to children in the form of samplers and was used by peasants to decorate clothing.
The snob value of free embroidery has often prevented these simple but effective patterns from being used.
Today we have five borders recharted from a book by Jane Drew. This book was published in London early in the 20th Century. Although none of the motifs in the book are identified, they are the same or similar to borders seen in embroidered folk garments throughout the world.
These simple borders are fantastic additions to your needlework library. Use soluble canvas on napkins and thread in a color close to the fabric to make elegant napkins. Stitch a line of a larger mesh canvas to make a bookmark. Use several to create a unique band sampler to try color combinations or show off threads. You could even pick several and create your own woven ribbons sampler from them. This doesn’t even consider their use as borders for your needlepoint.
Many stitchers don’t like to turn corners on border. If this describes you, consider putting borders on just two sides or using corner blocks in each corner, so each side is centered and stitched separately.
These borders are geometric, but there are many other types out there — just look around!
Crenelated Square Border
Cupid’s Bow Border
PLEASE NOTE: This border uses both Tent and Reverse Tent.
Shifting Scrolls Border
Pretty Posies I Border
These two borders would look fantastic with different colors for the flower “petals.” In the charts you can see some areas colored this way.
Pretty Posies II Border
Come back next week for the next patch in the Color through Gold Star!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
[…] A Batch of Vintage Borders – 1 freebie(s)? […]