Algerian Eyelet

Schematic drawing of an Algerian eyelet. Schematic drawing of an Algerian eyelet. Drawing by Martin Hense.

The Algerian eyelet is a technique whereby a star is worked that is made up of eight straight stitches, all of which are inserted into the same central hole. The stars can be worked individually or in rows. The stitch is worked from the top right hand corner in a clock-wise direction, over four threads.

This stitch was very popular in eighteenth and nineteenth century Algeria (hence its name). It can also be found in various styles of European embroidery. Also known as: Algerian eye; Algerian eye stitch; Algerian eyelet stitch. 

See also the eyelet hole in Hardanger work.

See also: eyelet

See the Henry Art Gallery, Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide

Sources:

  • CLAYTON, Mary (2007). The Needlecrafter's Companion. 1001 Stitch Terms and Techniques, London: Collins and Brown, p. 8.
  • THOMAS, Mary (1934). Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, London: Hodder and Stoughton, pp. 84-85.

GVE

Last modified on Saturday, 28 January 2017 20:27
Published in Embroidery stitches
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