Staircase Stitchers

The Staircase Stitchers are a group of local volunteers who meet twice monthly at Staircase House
With guidance from Jane Dew, embroiderer for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Stitchers continue to produce embroidered displays for the house. Jane is teaching the group historic embroidery techniques mirroring design characteristics found within Staircase House.

The group was formed in October 2005 and has been partially funded by Stockport Heritage Trust. The Stitchers were originally tasked to embroider six bed-hangings for the replica bed, in the historic bedroom, which was originally donated by the Trust. They have recently finished the first two and are currently working on third.

Click here to view the
Staircase Stitichers
events during March

Staircase House and the Stitchers
In the 17th century, a home like Staircase House would have been adorned with brightly coloured and skillfully embroidered textiles. Many of these would have been worked by the ladies of the house. Items such as cushions, curtains and bedcovers would be highly decorative with embroidered flowers, insects and animals. 

The designs used by the Stitchers are based on examples of historic embroidery. 

The success of the project so far can be measured by the quality of the work produced, the new skills acquired by the Stitchers and the continued confidence and enthusiasm demonstrated by the group. 

The Bed Hangings
The word 'crewel' refers to the wool used, rather than the type of stitches. It generally means two threads of wool twisted together to make one strand. This kind of embroidery became very popular in the 17th Century, and although there were professional embroiderers employed by the rich, the work would also be done by members of the household, especially the ladies who had plenty of time on their hands.

Given how dark some of the rooms were, and the terrible quality of lighting available, if a lady were to busy herself with needlework during the dark days of winter, her eyesight would soon start to deteriorate. Fortunately the Stitchers are not working in 17th Century conditions, but in the comfortable and well lit Community Room at Staircase House.

The Materials
The materials are produced as authentically as possible, with wools dyed in the original way by a company based in France.
Natural plants and minerals are used to achieve these vibrant colours and techniques for fixing them also date back to the 17th century and earlier.

You can find out more about by visiting: renaissancedyeing.com

The linen, which acts as the basis for the embroidery, is the same as that used nearly 400 years ago.
The group is also working on monochrome cushions, sheet, chemise and coif - a raised work looking glass frame, petit point coffer carpet, tapestry cushion covers and a crewelwork bedcover.

To learn more about these techniques please visit the Stockport Heritage Trust Website - stockportheritagetrust.co.uk/