WVU Extension Service Families and Health Programs
Janice Heavner, WVU Extension Agent, Pendleton County
JoAnn Dever, Craftsperson and 4-H Leader, Roane County
History
The origin of chicken scratch embroidery is uncertain, but the craft
does date to early America. As the early settlers traveled across the
seas and land to settle in their new homes, the craft came with them.
Thus, it’s known by different names: Amish embroidery, cross-stitch
on gingham, depression lace, gingham lace, gingham tracks, lace
stitch, and snowflake embroidery.
What Is Chicken Scratch Embroidery?
Chicken scratch is an easy type of embroidery done on gingham
(checkered) fabric, which gives the impression of appliquéd lace.
With certain stitches, the thread or floss creates a lacelike design
on the gingham fabric.
Gingham fabric usually
comes in 4, 8, or 16 squares
to the square inch. If possible,
you want to use gingham
fabric with a true square
check. Fabric with 1/8-inch
or 1/4-inch checks is most
often used for chicken
scratch. The 1/8-inch
gingham is used mainly for
small projects – pincushions,
jar lids, bookmarks, and
sachets. The 1/4-inch is used
for larger projects – pillows,
quilts, clothing, place mats,
and tablecloths.
Styles of Stitching
Three simple stitches are used in chicken scratch embroidery –
the double cross-stitch, the straight running stitch, and the woven
circle stitch.
– continued –
WLG 31
Traditions Continue . . . What Is
Chicken Scratch Embroidery?
Educational
Objectives
1. Understand how
chicken scratch
embroidery is being
passed down from
generation to
generation
2. Learn the art
of chicken scratch
embroidery
WVU Extension Service Families and Health Programs
Double Cross-stitch
Work a cross-stitch as shown; then work an
upright cross-stitch over this. It is important
that the last
upper stitch
of double
cross-stitch
lies in the
same direction.
Running
Stitch
Pass the
needle in
and out of the
fabric, mak