crewelwork

[ kroo-uh l-wurk ]

/ ˈkru əlˌwɜrk /

decorative embroidery done with crewel yarn on cotton or linen, using simple stitches traditionally worked in floral or pastoral designs.

Origin of crewelwork

First recorded in 1860–65; crewel + work

crew neck, crew sock, crewe, crewed, crewel, crewelwork, crewman, crewmate, creüsa, crf, crh

Crewelwork of the period was not given to hangings and furniture, but to clothing.

The Development of Embroidery in America |Candace Wheeler
With the hands that had never handled anything rougher than crewelwork she chose her grip along the tough ladder of looped lianas.

Where the Pavement Ends |John Russell
These were wrought with borders of crewelwork, and finished with elaborate thread and crewel fringes.

The Development of Embroidery in America |Candace Wheeler