History of Hardanger Embroidery

Hardanger Embroidery has no documented history but it is believed that it began in Persia and Asia where a similar work was found using gauze net with silk and metallic thread of different colors. That particular type of attire was worn only by nobility. During the Renaissance, the Hardanger Embroidery spread to Italy and there it was known as Reticella and Venitian lacework. In 1700, it spread to Europe and as it passed from area to area it took on a new title. Hence, it is known as Danish and Dutch Hedebo, Scottish Ayrshire work, Ruskin lacework and Norwegian Drawn work. As the use of linen became more plentiful for garments, pattern books were available from Germany and Italy. The first published book being "Munsterbuchlein," by Peter Quentell in 1528.

Hardanger Embroidery is often called whitework and is an embroidery technique using satin stitches, cut work, and filling stitches. Before the fabric is cut it has to be surrounded by "Kloster blocks," which makes up the design. It is done on even woven material possibly woven by the Norwegian women from flax. It is a combination of counted thread and drawn thread work. Stitching five satin stitches over four threads makes up the Kloster blocks. The designs takes on shapes of squares, triangles, diamonds, hearts, zig-zag and crosses. Any combination of these make a beautiful design.

The mass tide of immigration of the Scandinavian people in the 1800-1900s, was when the Hardanger Embroidery appeared here in America.