History of Hardanger Embroidery

Hardanger Embroidery is a special art form that uses white thread or floss of various thickness to add the effect of depth to a hand sewn needle project. The threads form eyelets, cables, four sided stitchery, diamonds, and other patterns.

The history is not precise but it appears Hardanger Embroidery was created in the early years of Asia and Persia. When linen cloth emerged during the Renaissance Hardanger Embroidery was used extensively. Eventually it caught on in Italy and developed into the Venetian and Reticella lace work known as lace motifs. From there emerged the Hedebo Dutch and Danish fancy needle works. Hardanger Embroidery continued to be introduced to other countries and eventually it was refered to as the Drawn Work of Norway.

The Norwegians made extensive use of this art form due to the fact that they grew flax which could easily be processed into white threads. The stands of white thread were use to embellish their native costumes, curtains, and other fabric creations. India’s embroiders used an eight pointed star, making it a world-wide symbol of the Hardanger Embroidery.

The Scandinavians brought this form of embroidery to America. A lace maker submitted an article to the Lady’s Home Journal, Sara Hadley was the author. In the early 1900's other articles went to print in the form of the Complete Hardanger Book. A dealer in Chicago, Illinois sold the cloth and thread. The embroidery lost popularity when WWII erupted. The 1970’s brought about resurgence in embroidery due to articles published by J.P. Coats. The Nordic Needle co-owners in North Dakota put Hardanger Embroidery patterns and directions into print. They establish an annual original Hardanger Embroidery Contest. They publish the winning entries in Award-Winning Designs in Hardanger Embroidery.