The History Of Hardanger Embroidery

They’re in the museum display case. It’s on top of the old chest that traveled across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a runner on the dining room table during special diners and occasions. It is very pretty. You want to call it lacy, but in actuality its not. Ornate; that’s what it is, it’s ornate. The art work is beautiful, but what is it called? It is Hardanger embroidery, and yes, it is very beautiful and elegant.

Its exact origin is debated. Some argue its beginning come from ancient Persia and Asia. It is possible that during the time of the Renaissance it made its way to Italy where evolved into Italian reticella or Venetian lacework. Between the years of 1650 through 1850, the craft worked its way into Norway, in particular the Hardangersom (which means “work from Hardanger“) area. Traditionally, Hardanger embroidery is created or worked with thread that’s the same color as the fabric it’s sewn on. The weave of the cotton material is generally a 22-count thread.

Creating a square, geometrical appearance with distinct holes makes it easy to count and work on. Additionally, Hardanger embroidery is based on basic shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds, hearts, the zig-zag and crosses. The patterns create favorite decorated embroidery for tablecloths, napkins, towels, bedspreads, pillows and curtains and clothing items such as aprons, shirts and Norwegian folk costumes. Especially elegant with Hardanger embroidery is a bunad, which actually means clothes. However, through the passing of time, these so called clothes with the hardanger embroidery have transformed common articles of clothing into attire for wedding celebrations, confirmations, christenings, national holidays and public ceremonies and folk dancing.