Assisi

Assisi work is of Italian origin. It is a type of cross stitch embroidery in which the background is filled with stitching and the motifs are left mainly unstitched, forming a reversed or negative image. The design technique is called voided ground. The outlines of the motif are worked in double running stitch or backstitch, as are also any details within the motif. Another name for the double running stitch is Holbein stitch.

Assisi work flourished mainly in the 17th century, but the term Assisi only dates back to the early 20th century when this type of embroidery was revived in and around Assisi.

Traditional Assisi work is complex, filled with mythical creatures and swirling interlacing vines and foliage. Borders of delicate scrollwork in double running stitch help to soften the outline of the rectangular stitched areas and sometimes helped to link one motif with another.

Assisi work is well suited to household linens and other furnishings, and can also be used to decorate clothing and accessories, such as a belt or the cuff of a blouse.

The traditional colors used for this type of embroidery was dark red cross stitch for the background filling and black for outlining the motif. It is not essential that you stick to these colors for modern Assisi work.