Crewel, also called crewelwork, is a form of embroidery done with woolen yarn. Most crewel has designs stitched on a background of plain, sturdy cloth. The yarn, which consists of two woolen threads twisted together loosely, is also called crewel. Crewel can be used to create almost any design. Many crewel embroideries show flowers and vines arranged in graceful patterns. Crewel may include any embroidery stitch.
Historians think that the ancient Israelites used crewel to decorate the Tabernacle, a tent in which they worshiped. The Bayeux Tapestry, a famous crewel wallhanging showing scenes from English history, was stitched in the late A.D. 1000’s. Curtains and upholstery in many American and English homes of the 1600’s and 1700’s were decorated with crewel. Today, many people stitch crewel pictures and other items.
