The technique of trammed tapestries is much more historic than that of painted canvas designs which were produced by machine after World War II.  This technique has a long history. Fine tent stitch appears on pieces from the middle ages. During the reign of Elizabeth I it was used for furnishings, bags, pincushions, etc. The design is ‘trammed’ onto the canvas and then is worked with tapestry wools to work the design using mainly tent stitch. The name comes from the French ‘tenter’ – to stretch, this refers to stretching the background fabric on a frame for working. You then select the background colour. There are designs to suit all tastes and the finished pieces can be put onto stools, chairs, workboxes, framed, firescreens, made into cushion, wall hangings, etc.

The design of a trammed tapestry is already worked by hand onto the canvas in horizontal lines -in the tram lines. This is still done by hand in Madeira. You then stitch diagonal stitches - half cross stitch - over the horizontal line, covering all traces of the earlier wool, but also creating two layers of wool onto the canvas. This makes a completed trammed design hard working and practical and ideal for furniture - chairs, stools, cushions, rugs, bell-pulls etc.

The price for each design shown includes a pack of wool sufficient to complete the design. The background wool is purchased separately (Beverley have a range of background colours) so that the completed work will complement you colour scheme. We can help advise you to calculate the number of hanks required for the background. We make made to measure furniture and also provide a stretching and blocking and fitting service. See 'Furniture' for details.

Beverley Needlepoint

IVO Tapestries

Stitchery

Martin Winkler