Hello, Beauties🌸 This week’s post, White Eyelet: The Enduring Cool Cotton.
Let’s take a slightly deep dive into the term eyelet. According to online sources, eyelet refers to French “English embroidery” or Broderie Anglaise. The decorative pattern is a whitework needlework technique incorporating features of embroidery, cutwork, and needle lace.
The ancient technique originated in 16th-century Eastern Europe, probably in what is now the Czech Republic. Eyelet remains associated with England because of its popularity there during the 19th century.
The technique works by tracing a design onto a fabric, first using a basic running stitch. The insides of the shapes are then cut and finished with either an overcast stitch or a buttonhole stitch. Broderie Anglaise was hand-stitched in the past, but it is mostly machine embroidered today.
This embroidery method reminds me of an elementary school art class where we made paper snowflakes. First, you fold the paper, cut it with scissors, unfold it, and voilà —a beautiful accordion of intricately formed snowflakes.
Eyelet is one of those classic summer fabrics that stands the test of time, like gingham and polka dots. Any garment made with an eyelet is an elevated essential for when the temperatures start to soar. The last time I had an eye for an eyelet was in the summer of 2015.
How about you? Do you have any must-wear fabrics that are light, fresh, and airy? Please share in the comments section.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
