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Vetty Creations office partial closure: I have been unwell since mid November 2023. Orders are going out, though may be delayed when I'm having a really bad day/days. I respond to enquiries when I am able to. I apologise for this. It’s not what I want either.

Frisian Whitework

Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland

By Yvette Stanton

Delve into elegant Frisian whitework with historical whitework specialist, Yvette Stanton. From Friesland in the Netherlands, this is a style of counted embroidery dating from the 1600s. It was traditionally used on men’s shirt collars, on household linen, and on samplers.

Whitework is usually stitched in white thread on white fabric and most Frisian whitework is worked this way. However, this technique also can have touches of colour, and some samplers are worked entirely in coloured thread. Alphabets, figurative motifs and geometric shapes are common, and they are interpreted in a wide variety of stitches, such as satin stitch, eyelets, whipped back stitch, and chain stitch; some also with cutwork and drawn thread work.

This style does look quite similar to Hardanger embroidery, however it predates it by about 100 years. And whereas Hardanger is usually based on a four by four thread block of fabric threads, Frisian whitework is based on multiples of three threads. There is a much wider variety of stitches used in Frisian whitework than in Hardanger.

We are now stocking project supplies packs to make the projects in this book.

Inside 'Frisian Whitework'
About Yvette Stanton
Reader testimonials
Purchase 'Frisian Whitework'
'Frisian Whitework' at a glance
Purchase 'Frisian Whitework' project supplies packs

Inside 'Frisian Whitework'

Frisian Whitework has 168 full colour pages and three pattern sheets.

  • Introductory information explains what Frisian whitework is, and how it is used on various items of clothing and textiles. There are many photographs of historical examples, and information about the equipment and materials used.
  • The Projects chapter has 10 beautiful projects including small projects through to larger projects. Included are the following projects:
    • long pendant
    • runner
    • silk sampler
    • square cushion
    • needlecase
    • biscornu
    • monogram cushion
    • whitework sampler
    • strawberries
    • round pendant
    Whether you're an absolute beginner or are wanting more of a challenge, there is something here for you.
  • The Stitches and techniques chapter is packed with detailed stitch instructions. Each stitch is taught in fully diagrammed, step-by-step format, with instructions for both left- and right-handed embroiderers. Clear diagrams and or photographs to help you see exactly how to work the stitch or technique, and concise written instructions explain each step.
  • A full index completes the book.
 Frisian Whitework spreadFrisian Whitework spreadFrisian Whitework spread

About Yvette Stanton

Yvette Stanton is a respected needlework teacher and author of needlework books. She particularly loves whitework, counted embroidery and playing with embroidery stitches. Frisian Whitework is Yvette's tenth book.

To research the book, Yvette visited a number of collections in the Netherlands, but primarily the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden. She is very grateful to them for their assistance, particularly to the textiles curator at the time, Gieneke Arnolli.

Reader testimonials

“Yvette’s wonderful new publication is a must for all enthusiasts of counted whitework and indeed of traditional counted embroidery. This wonderful in-depth study of a little-known historical technique, does important work to increase its prominence and ensure its survival for generations to come. Yvette’s attention to detail, as always, is superb, with a hugely comprehensive stitch glossary presented with crisp, clear diagrams, and with invaluable adaptions for both for the left- and right-handed embroiderer. The projects are fresh and inspiring but also practical, including delicate pendants and a needlecase, though to a glorious cushion displaying the intricate frosted lace quality of the earliest Frisian pieces.” —Jenny Adin-Christie

“I have just picked up my copy of Frisian Whitework and can't wait to start a project. I am having fun reading through the text and devouring the illustrations. Your research and presentation is an absolute gift and your instructions make the projects a dream to stitch. Best wishes and thank you for your stunning book.” —Liz, Australia

Purchase 'Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland'

Purchase your copy of Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland by Yvette Stanton, today.

All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.

'Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland' at a glance

Frisian Whitework
Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland by Yvette Stanton
  • 168 full-colour pages
  • 3 pattern sheets
  • Paperback
  • 195 x 275 mm
  • Published April 2021
  • ISBN 978-0-9757677-9-5

With Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland you will be able to make your own Frisian-style whitework heirlooms. Purchase your copy today!

Purchase 'Frisian Whitework' project supplies packs

We stock supplies packs for the projects in Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland. Please note that these are supplies packs only, and do not contain the project instructions. The project instructions are found in the book, so you will need a copy of the book to make the project.

From time to time some components of these kits go out of stock, while we wait for them from our supplier. If this is the case for your chosen supplies pack we will let you know the likely wait time. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Where some components become unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a close match of equal quality.

Frisian Whitework Sampler supplies pack
Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland by Yvette Stanton

This book contains the instructions for each of the project supplies packs listed below. More information about this book can be found further up this page.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian Whitework Sampler supplies pack
Frisian whitework sampler supplies pack

Includes 35ct linen banding, Londonderry linen threads, DMC stranded floss, needle.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian Whitework Sampler supplies pack
Frisian whitework sampler fabric ONLY

35ct linen banding precut to the length required for this project.

Fabric only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian Whitework silk sampler supplies pack
Frisian silk sampler supplies pack

Includes 28ct linen, Gumnut Yarns Buds silks, teabag, needle.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.

We also have an online course that teaches this project.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian Whitework silk sampler supplies pack
Frisian silk sampler threads ONLY 

Includes Gumnut Yarns Buds silks ONLY.

Does not contain instructions, fabric, needles or teabag. Threads only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework runner
Frisian whitework runner supplies pack

Includes 28ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, needle.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework needlecase
Frisian whitework needlecase supplies pack

Includes 36ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, Dutch Heritage fabric, lining fabric, Perle threads, button, wool flannel, machine sewing thread, needles.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Currently out of stock.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian monogram cushion supplies pack
Frisian whitework monogram cushion supplies pack

Includes 36ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, needle.

You will need additional supplies to construct this cushion.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework strawberries
Frisian whitework strawberries supplies pack

Includes 28ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, lining fabric, felt, ribbons, machine sewing thread, polyester fibre fill, needles.

Contains supplies to make three strawberries.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework biscornu
Frisian whitework biscornu supplies pack

Includes 36ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, Dutch Heritage fabric, lining fabric, buttons, machine sewing thread, polyester fibre fill, needles.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework round pendant
Frisian whitework round pendant supplies pack

Includes 40ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, pendant tray with adhesive, chain, mounting card, lacing thread, needle.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include non-trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework square cushion
Frisian whitework square cushion supplies pack

Includes 28ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, needles.

You will need additional supplies to construct this cushion.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include trackable shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework long pendant
Frisian whitework long pendant supplies pack

Includes 50ct linen, Londonderry linen thread, pendant tray with adhesive, chain, mounting card, lacing thread, needle.

Does not contain instructions. Supplies only. Instructions are found in "Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland" by Yvette Stanton.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework long pendant
Frisian bird needle minder

25mm/1in diameter needle minder featuring a blue bird and flowers from the Frisian Whitework Sampler from Yvette Stanton's book "Frisian Whitework".

Needle minders are used to keep your needle safe when it is not in your hand. Attach them to your needlework or your clothing by using the magnets. Then when you put down your needle, rest it on the needleminder and the magnet will keep it there.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
Frisian whitework needle minder
Frisian whitework needle minder

25mm/1in diameter needle minder featuring a whitework motif from the Frisian Whitework Sampler from Yvette Stanton's book "Frisian Whitework".

Needle minders are used to keep your needle safe when it is not in your hand. Attach them to your needlework or your clothing by using the magnets. Then when you put down your needle, rest it on the needleminder and the magnet will keep it there.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.
 
I just want to purchase the book!
All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
Select the destination from the drop-down menu.

All prices are in Australian dollars and include shipping.
For currency conversion, try XE.com. We provide no guarantee of these rates for your transaction. Calculations can only be used as a guide.

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