Applique
Ayrshire embroidery
Blackwork
Crewel embroidery
Deerfield
Goldwork
Hardanger
Mountmellick
Needlelace
Patchwork
Pulled & drawn thread
Quilting
Redwork
Samplers
Smocking
Stumpwork
Temari
Ukrainian whitework
 

Hardanger embroidery is a style of cutwork embroidery that originates from the Hardanger region of Norway. Traditionally, it involves white embroidery on white fabric, where the removal of some of the fabric’s threads produce a lacy effect.

Hardanger was originally worked in bands of embroidery across items such as aprons, shirts, and household linen. It often featured diamond, triangular or square motifs of cutwork; satin stitching in rectangular blocks (kloster blocks) and other shapes; pulled thread work in the form of four-sided stitch, cable stitch and eyelets; and borders of needleweaving along each long side of the embroidery (usually top and bottom).

The earliest surviving pieces of Hardanger date from the eighteenth century. It is possible that this style of embroidery was first developed to imitate the Italian needle laces known as punto in aria, reticella, and similar styles of work. However because the Hardanger region is geographically isolated, due to the fjords found there, the style of embroidery developed and became quite distinct.

In the last century or so, many changes have occurred in the way Hardanger pieces are designed and worked. Coloured and novelty threads and coloured fabrics are now commonly used. New stitches have been developed, including buttonholed edges. This means that contemporary designs are very different to traditional and historic designs.

© Yvette Stanton 2005. 
www.hardanger.how.to
Reproduced by permission.

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	Elegant Hardanger Embroidery By Yvette Stanton, 2002 Average Amazon customer rating: 5 stars You can do Hardanger embroidery! Have you always wanted to try Hardanger embroidery but thought it looked too difficult? Or have you mastered the basics and want new challenges? This manual will take you step by step from novice to advanced stitcher, with helpful diagrams and hints and tips at every stage. There are stunning Hardanger projects, graded beginner, intermediate and advanced, to guide you to your next level of expertise. You will refer to this manual again and again. Back to top
	Hardanger Basics and Beyond By Janice Love, 1995 Janice Love is widely regarded as the Hardanger guru. Her books are full of useful information, with lots of hints and tips. Working through her books is like doing a class with Janice. Back to top
	Fundamentals Made Fancy By Janice Love, 1995 Janice Love is widely regarded as the Hardanger guru. Her books are full of useful information, with lots of hints and tips. Working through her books is like doing a class with Janice. This book is not complete without Janice's other book 'Hardanger Basics and Beyond' as she regularly refers to it within the stitch instructions. Back to top
	Beginner's Guide to Hardanger By Jill Carter, 2004 Jill Carter lived in Norway for some time, and learnt Hardanger while there. This brings a dimension to her work which is not evident in other books. Clear photographic instructions. Back to top