Madeleine decorative pillow

Broderie anglaise – or “English embroidery” – is a form of whitework that combines open cutwork, needle lace and decorative stitching. Madeleine’s rational yet romantic finish is created using a combination of techniques.

Ruching
A gathering technique to add soft texture and volume

Framing
An elegant border detail to provide visual structure

Drawn thread work
Threads are drawn from the weft to create decorative openwork patterns

Scalloping
Where a fabric’s edge is finished with smooth, decorative curves

Eyelets
A lace-like, airy effect created through holes reinforced with embroidery stitches.