Tambourwork

Description

An embroidery or lace fabric prepared using a chain stitches made with a tambour hook. Tambourwork is stretched on a wooden double hoop frame (tambour frame), then the yarn is woven in an around a mesh faric using a tambour hook. Tambourwork was popular in the US and Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries (e.g., Limerick lace, and lace Nottingham lace). Earlier examples come from China, India, Persia and Turkey. It may be made by hand or with a machine.

See attached image.

Synonyms and Related Terms

tambour lace; tambour stitch; tambour embroidery; embroidered lace; bordado (Esp.)

Additional Images

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  Tambourwork

Authority

• Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "tambour." Encyclopdia Britannica. 29 Sept. 2004 .