Creative ladies have decorated gingham fabric with hand stitching for ages and it was especially popular in the 1950's when I was a child. I remember watching my grandma stitch aprons, turning the plain checked fabric into lacey works of art! She made her everyday aprons into something special, but I'm sure she never dreamt I would one day display them as treasured heirlooms.

Now, more than 30 years after her death, her aprons continue to inspire me. I have used some of the stitches and patterns from her handwork to create simple projects for my Future Christian Homemakers' class.  You will find some of my grandma's aprons and many other embroidered gingham aprons in our Gingham Museum.

Gingham embroidery is known by many names: Amish embroidery, snowflaking, lace stitch, gingham cross stitch, Depression lace, and chicken scratch are just a few! Although any embroidery stitches can be employed on gingham, three main stitches are the most commonly used: an X, the snowflake, and a lace stitch. These three stitches can be used alone or in combination to create a huge variety of designs and special effects.

Gingham embroidery is easy and is quick to make. The results are truly beautiful.  Use the stitches to create borders on tablecloths, placemats and napkins, skirts and blouses, baby items and more! For basic gingham embroidery directions... click here.

Take a look at one of the beautiful aprons my grandmother created using X's and half X's. Check back with us often. I will add more pictures of my grandma's aprons from time to time. We also plan to offer new bookmarks each month.

If you are looking for books with patterns, visit www.pegasusor.com and click on "Chicken Scratch."  They have several good books, and a free lesson online.  You will need to use the "Store Finder" listed on their website to locate a store near you that carries their books, or call one of the stores and ask them to mail the books to you.  I am sorry, but we do not carry any gingham embroidery books.

We'd love to hear from you! Do you have some gingham embroidery suggestions we could share with others? We are always looking for old gingham embroidery books and pamphlets. Please contact us. I'll pass tips along in my online newsletter. God bless you as you create beautiful things for your home!