fancywork
Ornamental sewing crafts
Fancywork is decorative needlework done for ornament rather than utility—embroidery, crocheting, tatting, and similar handcrafts.
The term evokes a bygone era when women were expected to occupy themselves with such pursuits: She spent afternoons on her fancywork while the children napped.
Stitchery on open-weave fabric
- cross-stitchDecorative stitching forming X's
- crewelworkWool embroidery technique
- samplersAssortments for tasting or testing
- broderieOrnamental stitched lacework
monogramming · smocking · canvaswork · goldwork · hardanger · whitework · stumpwork · blackwork
Loop-based textile making
- crochetHooked needle needlework
- quiltingLayered fabric stitching
- patchworkFabric scraps sewn together
- appliqueCutout sewn onto fabric
beadwork · macrame · felting · weaving · braiding · netting · afghan · doily
Shuttle-based lace making
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- openworkDecorative pierced craftsmanship
- interlacingCrossing and recrossing alternately
- traceryDecorative branching stonework
ornamental · elaborate · delicate · intricate · fine · detailed · handwrought · embellishment
needlepoint
Stitchery on open-weave fabric
- cross-stitchDecorative stitching forming X's
- crewelworkWool embroidery technique
- samplersAssortments for tasting or testing
broderie · monogramming · smocking · canvaswork · goldwork · hardanger · whitework · stumpwork · blackwork · redwork
knitting
Loop-based textile making
applique · beadwork · macrame · felting · weaving · braiding · netting · afghan · doily · antimacassar
tatting
Shuttle-based lace making
Bruges · Battenberg · Brussels · edging · insertion · picot · sprang
filigree
Delicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
- openworkDecorative pierced craftsmanship
- interlacingCrossing and recrossing alternately
tracery · ornamental · elaborate · delicate · intricate · fine · detailed · handwrought · embellishment · adornment
tapestry
Decorative woven wall cloth
- brocadeRaised-pattern luxury fabric
- damaskReversible figured fabric
- jacquardElaborate patterned woven textile
fringe · tassels · gimp · ruching · smocking · pleating · shirring · piping · cording · trim
- needleworkcross-stitch, embroidery, embroidery hoop, embroidery hoops, needlepoint