Swedish weaving – or “huck embroidery” or “Swedish darning” – is enjoying a comeback lately, so we’re going to talk about it today!

While the origins of Swedish weaving are largely uncertain, extant examples date as far back as the 1600’s. It’s not even certain that the origins are necessarily Swedish, as similar styles of embellishment belong to many cultures worldwide.

What we do know for sure is that the migrant population that moved to the US at the end of the 1800’s and into the early 1900’s brought this style of embellishment with them and it because especially popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was an inexpensive, yet pleasing (and highly accessible) way to embellish household goods.

The huck embroidery trend rejuvenated in the 1960’s and 1970’s along with other forms of folk embroidery, and today, it is enjoying another resurgence in popularity.

I’ve always been intrigued by this form of embellishment. Some contend that it is not proper “embroidery” because it doesn’t involve passing completely through the fabric with the needle and thread. But if you take the broad definition of embroidery – to adorn (a ground of some sort) with needle and thread – then I think it works as an embroidery topic, despite the opinion that it belongs more to the weaving niche.

Let’s chat about the technique and take a look at a new book on Swedish weaving called Swedish Weaving Pattern Directory by Katherine Kennedy.

You can find Swedish Weaving Pattern Directory available here in the Needle ‘n Thread Shop for those who want to try this unique form of embroidery, or who want to expand their explorations with a wide collection of Swedish weaving patterns written for all levels of stitchers.