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Crewel work is a special kind
of embroidery done with a pointed hook on thick Cotton 'Dosooti' fabric
hand-woven in Kashmir. Crewel fabric is mainly used for draperies and
upholsteries, commonly made into curtains, bedspreads and cushion covers. Crewel
fabric may be used to cover chairs or sofas and even made into table runners.
Crewel work fabrics come in a range of embroidery patterns and colors; the cost
of fabric being determined by the amount of embroidery work on it and whether
single or double-ply wool is worked on the fabric. Crewel fabric is mostly used
to make curtains, however they are suitable for upholstery purposes as well.
Shown here is crewel work embroidery on cotton velvet fabric. Velvet is a type
of tufted fabric in which the cut threads are very evenly distributed, with a
short dense pile, giving it its distinct feel. Velvet can be made from many
different kinds of fibres. It is woven on a special loom that weaves two pieces
of velvet at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart and the two
lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls.
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