Four Corners by Di Kirchner

In anticipation of everyone loving Di Kirchner’s stunning crewel work cushion Interlude from Inspirations issue #111, we asked Di if she could produce another piece as part of our Handpicked series. And what an incredible piece she produced! 

Four Corners is a truly magnificent footstool worked in the Jacobean style, which will take pride of place in any sitting room or lounge area.

It was only when the piece arrived that we realised how few footstools we had published over the years. This was interesting considering that historically, embroidery was used for home furnishings all the time.

Today, when we take the time to embroider a footstool, cushion or fire screen, the thought that it might be used can be horrifying! Imagine someone putting their feet on our work?! But in the past, this is exactly what people did.

Items such as linen chests, bed curtains, chairs and sofas were all covered, worked or upholstered in hand embroidered fabric and then used for a highly practical purpose. Because of this, historical textiles haven’t always survived through the ages. Many of those that have been preserved still show signs of the wear and use to which they were subjected. 

However, that wear can be seen as part of their story. One can’t help but wonder whose feet discoloured that section, or what kind of emotions were felt when that cushion was sat on or that bed curtain was drawn. In many ways, it brings these items to life, giving them as much of a history and personality as the people who made and used them.

Saying that, we probably wouldn’t expect a pair of dirty work boots to be placed upon Four Corners! Nevertheless, it has been designed with the majority of the work in the corners of the piece, meaning that any feet which are placed upon it are not going to damage the bulk of the needlework.

In Di’s characteristic fashion, the colour, balance and design of this piece are exquisite. She has employed a range of crewel stitches so that even the most experienced stitcher will enjoy the challenge, but also ensured through her instructions that this project is achievable for all levels of stitching experience.

The symmetry is so pleasing on the eye, you would not be blamed if you simply wanted to frame this project and hang it on the wall. But it would work equally well made up into a cushion or mounted into the lid of a box.

The more of Di’s projects you do, the more your skills at crewel embroidery will improve. Every stitch will be a pleasure to work and the finished piece will be something to be proud of.

Perhaps you might follow in the footsteps of your forebears and put this piece out, ready for a pair of tired, stockinged feet to rest upon it. Or perhaps you will simply want to preserve it as a work of art. Either way, it will develop its own story and is guaranteed to become a beloved family heirloom to be admired in years to come.

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Four Corners by Di Kirchner from our Handpicked Range is an elegant and richly shaded crewelwork panel on sturdy linen twill, perfect to use as

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Four Corners includes everything* you need to re-create this superb design: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery threads and needle.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the printed/digital pattern. Kit does not include wooden footstool base.