Work of the Needle Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cross-stitch

Cross-stitch is basically what it says it is. A series of cross stitches or "x's" are used to create a design. It was usually the first stitch a young girl was taught. Historically, cross-stitch was used for decorating table runners, handkerchiefs and napkins. Today, it can be seen on pillows, wall-hangings, and sometimes even greeting cards.

Answer: The type of thread.

Crewel is a type of embroidery that uses thick wool thread as opposed to regular cotton embroidery thread. The curtain from 1696 in this image shows how using the heavy wool thread makes for a heavier relief. The same stitches are used, and the same designs, but when you use the much heavier thread, the design becomes much thicker. Also, crochet is not a type of embroidery, and usually does not involve a material referred to as thread - it can be done with fine cotton, but it is more usually done with wool.

It also uses a crochet hook, not a needle of any type.

Answer: Japan

Sashiko is a Japanese form of decorative reinforcement stitching and type of functional embroidery. This folk art needlework uses a basic running stitch to create a patterned background. The word itself means 'little stabs' and is a reference to the small stitches used.

This form of needlework was originally a form of darning to repair or add strength to worn areas of clothing. Due to its beauty and durability it became and art form rather than just a functional method of sewing.

Answer: Passementerie

Passementerie refers to the making of the product, as well as the product itself. Passementerie trimming can be braided, rickrack, beaded or corded. The word itself comes from the Old French word 'passement' which means to trim ornamentally. The other three options are all types of French bread.

Answer: Knitting

Cable needles are used in knitting to hold cable stitches in place while knitting. Their diameter should match that of the knitting needles. Cable stitches are usually used when making sweaters and provide a rope like design running from top to bottom (usually).

Answer: False

Suzani is a type of needlework that originated in central Asia in countries such as Uzbekistan. These are a type of handmade quilts that were usually made by a bride for her new husband. Originally, Suzanis featured a neutral background of white or cream with tulips, teardrops and sunburst embroidered on.

These quilts are made with bright colored threads colored with natural dyes. These come in sizes from a lap blanket to a king size bed blanket.

Answer: Lace

Reticella was originally a type of drawn thread embroidery before becoming an early way to make lace. This was made on a temporary scaffolding to stabilize the lace while it was being made. This type of lace was worn only by royalty and other nobility. True needle lace did not come into being until around 1575.

Answer: False

Historically blackwork, commonly known as Spanish work, was brought over to England by Catherine of Aragon around 1500. This type of decorative needlework can be seen on many paintings of royalty at the time. Both of the examples shown are from the early 16th century. Sadly, historic blackwork is rare to find well preserved.

This is because the black thread was dyed with an iron-based dye that inevitably ate up both the sewing thread and the fabric that was decorated with it. This type of needlework is thought to have originated in Spain, but definitely did not start in Greenland.

Answer: It was worn by every societal rank.

The original purpose of smocking was to gather the fabric so that it could be stretched. It was originally used on wrists, collars, and bodices. All levels of societies wore this type of needlework. This painting shows smocking around the neckline and this was used all across Europe and then North America for centuries.

Answer: Crazy quilts

Crazy quilts were very popular in the Victorian era. A crazy quilt is a unique conglomeration of randomly pieced fabrics. They usually have embroidered embellishments on nearly every seam. This was originally done so that all cloth could be used again as opposed to being thrown away.

The first use of the word 'crazy' to describe an asymmetrical, random quilt was in the "Cultivator and Country Gentleman" in 1878.