Thread Tales: Continuing the Bayeux Tapestry Embroidery Laid and Couch (Bayeux Stitch)

I'm recreating part of the Bayeux Tapestry embroidery using authentic materials and equipment. I want to explore how it was made, the techniques used, the time it took, how the materials and equipment reacted to being used, and how the embroiderers may have made decisions and felt as they worked.
In this video we continue the embroidery. We're now filling some of the design we outlined in the previous videos with Laid and Couched Work / Bayeux Stitch.
As we go I talk about different aspects of the stitching, the hows and whys of the stitch and discussion where else you see it, my observations and I answer and discuss some of your questions and comments.
Other project, stitch and Bayeux Tapestry related videos:
Day 1 - Stitching: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
How to embroiderer stem stitch: • How to Embroider Stem ...
How many stitches does it take: • How many stitches does...
The Back of the BT: • The Back of a Bayeux T...
Transferring the Design: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
Framing up the ground fabric: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
The equipment: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
The design: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
Introducing the project: • Bayeux Tapestry Recrea...
My published analyses can be found here:
- 'The Front tells, the Story the Back tells the History: a technical discussion of the embroidering of the Bayeux Tapestry', in Making Sense of the Bayeux Tapestry Readings and Reworkings, ed. Anna C. Henderson with Gale R. Owen-Crocker (Manchester University Press, 2016)
- 'Les six Chateaux de la Tâpisserie de Bayeux: une discussion technique du travail de broderie de la Tapisserie de Bayeux' in L'invention de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, ed. Sylvette Lemagnen, Shirley Ann Brown & Gale Owen-Crocker (Point de Vues, 2018)
- The Lost Art of the Anglo-Saxon World: the sacred and secular power of embroidery (Oxbow, 2019)
Websites mentioned in the video:
The border: www.bayeuxmuseum.com/la-tapis...
Dr Alexandra Makin
Early Medieval Embroidery
Professional Embroiderer
Textile Archaeologist
#bayeuxtapestry​ #embroidery​ #stitch

[@lizmerritt8682]

Lovely hour spent with you.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

That’s fab’ to hear

[@lizmerritt8682]

Another beautiful video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Not a problem. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it

[@alca6023]

What I love about this is that you can get professional results from simple techniques.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Yes, this is such a cool aspect to these stitches and using these yarns. I just went to have a look at what I’ve done so far and thought it looked better than I thought when I last saw it, so it must be true 😄

[@jodyarcher9713]

I could listen to you all day. Such an interesting subject, and you're so generous in sharing your knowledge. Thank you!

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

That’s very kind of you. Thank you!

[@yarnexpress]

About the color of the restoration section, I think leaving those areas blank is the correct call. I'm the one asking about the colors used. I'm amazed at the impact achieved with a limited palette.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I’ve come to the same conclusion as you over the restoration. I also agree about the impact with such a small palette. When you see the BT in real life, it’s unbelievable really, and the 3D-ness of it

[@ShannonClareRebel]

Thank you for a series of master classes in this embroidery technique. Following your advice and my work is looking much more consistent and neater.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

It’s no problem. I’m so glad you’re enjoying them and finding them useful. Congratulations on your stitching too! That’s lovely to hear

[@elsetiedemann9792]

I bought a kit in Bayeux with an original motif from the bayeux tapestry. The friendly lady in the shop showed me how to do the stitches… I used to work on it during my summer holidays the following years. Incredible relaxing. I wish though that I had your fantastic video. ❤

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I think that so me of the nice things about this type of embroidery, you can leave it for months, if need be, and when you come back to it you can dive back in without having to gently up on complicated stitches etc. I’m glad you’re enjoying the video 😊

[@bitnewt]

Wow! It feels like progress went much faster this time! Not that there is a rush; it's very relaxing to listen, learn and sew along (I'm hand-sewing a shirt), whatever the pace.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I got that feeling too. Funny how you things like that work really. I hope the shirt is going well and I’m glad you’re finding the videos relaxing

[@theresavandervliet6687]

Bayeux Stitch is quite beautiful.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

It is a lovely stitch

[@chermar3]

love how quick the bayeux stitch fills an area.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

It’s good in that way, isn’t it. So useful

[@dixygrl]

Could you please provide the information for where and how to purchase a Bayeux kit? I believe the needle if not included in the kit is essential to handling the wool thread and keeping tension off the hand while working the piece. Please provide the information as to where one might purchase the flat-headed needle if it is not included in the kit. Thank you for your patience and sharing you talents and knowledge with us all. Virginia, USA

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the video(s). You can buy my kits from my website: early-medieval-embroidery.square.site/ All kits come with a needle like I’m using. In fact, I’ve got another batch arriving soon and I’ll then be offering needles separate to kits. Watch this space

[@marieeaton-smith5168]

I love this, thank you. Will you tell me what type of needle you are using please? The thread hole seems flattened? I have not seen any needle like it, and i would love to know where I can find them.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Of course. I have them made by a local artisan who copies from originals found in early medieval contexts. You can order them from me. At the moment they’re in the kits I sell but I’ve got another batch arriving in the next day or so and then I’ll be offering them in packs of two. Watch this space, I’ll let you know when they’re in the shop, which you can find here: early-medieval-embroidery.square.site/

[@estellekostanza7874]

💛💚💙💜

[@stefanwild326]

[@ladyamythyst69]

Is it possible they used leather thimbles and they just haven’t survived?

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Yes. I think that’s very possible

[@taffywalker613]

Why don’t you use your extremely fine wool double? It would give your work the special dimensionality and texture beloved in crewel work.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

So I’m using a wool in a thickness that’s as close to the original as possible, which is slightly different to that used for crewel work. I find it so interesting that while the BT and crewel are very similar in some ways, they’re quite different in others