The Kensington stitch was originally called opus plumarium (‘plumage’ or ‘feather work’), due to its resemblance to the plumage of a bird. The Kensington stitch may be appropriately used for working out any floral design, no matter where the finished work is to be used. It is also sometimes used for working animals, human figures and landscape details, such as rocks or hills, where a massed effect of light and shade is desired.