Berlin wool work

Berlin wool work is a style of embroidery similar to today needlepoint. It was typically executed with wool yarn on canvas. It is usually worked in a single stitch, such as cross stitch or tent stitch although Beeton book of Needlework (1870) describes 15 different stitches for use in Berlin work. It was traditionally stitched in many colours and hues, producing intricate three dimensional looks by careful shading. The design of such embroidery was made possible by the great progresses made in dyeing in the 1830s, especially by the discovery of aniline dyes which produced bright colors.This kind of work created very durable and long lived pieces of embroidery that could be used as furniture covers, cushions, bags, or even on clothing.