Broderie Anglaise

Broderie Anglais means ‘English Embroidery’ in French. It is a fine white work embroidery technique and is made from a combination of stitchwork and eyelets which are little holes punched out of the fabric. These holes are then overcast to create a neat edge. The pattern is usually made up of floral shapes. Broderie Anglais is most commonly cotton or linen fabric. Broderie Anglais is thought to have originated in the 16^th Century, but it did not become very popular until the 19^th Century in England. This is the reason it adopted its name. Broderie Anglais is often called ‘Madeira Embroidery’ and is often confused with ‘Ayreshire Embroidery, a technique which look very similar.