Sewing projects for the nobility and gentry

Tapestry on canvas was another type of sewing that the women of Regency England did. It could be geometric or a colorful scenery. Once finished it would be stretched over a footstool or the seat of a chair. For the nobility and gentry alike, there were many types of fancy needlework that you could employ several hours a day working on.

A design was drawn on a white piece of muslin with pencil or a very light charcoal and then the pattern was embroidered. A gown or shawl could be enhanced with a colorful design using every single type of stitch. French knots, running stitch, chain stitches or satin stitch could be used.

Another type of fancy needlework would be netting. You could make a purse using this method. Basically it is similar to macramé with knots and a particular type of shuttle, but used fine smooth yarn, silk or cotton thread. Sailors used this same type of netting knots to make fishing nets.  Once done this could be embroidered onto material and then it would be very fine sewing.