German Brick Stitch Pin Case

Summary

My interest in brick stitch, an embroidery technique popular in Germany between the 13th and 15th centuries, inspired me to create a dress pin case using this type of embroidery. The pattern used in this piece was charted by me after careful consideration of an extant 14th century embroidered hanging. The embroidery, tassel and finished braided edges were created with a silk and wool blend twisted thread.

The natural linen lining contains a raised channel to which the pins are attached. This channel protects the embroidery from being accidentally snagged by the pins and was constructed with a double layer of linen stuffed with undyed wool. A linen flap was also added to protect the pin heads when the case is closed.The lining was whip stitched to the embroidery by hand.

The edges of the pin case were finished with an 8-strand spiral fingerloop braid that also forms the ties used to close the pin case. A tassel was added to indicate the bottom of the case prior to opening, and it was created with the same thread used for the embroidery and braided edges. A wooden bead, included to add weight and finish the tassel, was woven with the silk/wool blend thread on its surface according to a period example.

The documentation for this item can be found here  .