Scalloped interlace

This beautiful circular place mat contains an intricate embroidered interlace design. Brightly coloured silk and wool threads totally cover the backing fabric. This has produced a sturdy piece, so was probably used under a teapot or plant.

The central single strand design has been worked in light and dark greens. The more complicated outer circle of knotwork is stitched in yellow and fawn. It contains loops which link the two blanket-stitched designs together. Even the spaces between the strands have been filled in with a variety of textured stitches, including satin stitch and French knots.