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Mountmellick

What is Mountmellick embroidery? Mountmellick embroidery is a highly texured form of whitework embroidery, originating from the town of Mountmellick in Ireland, around 1825. While it is sometimes referred to as Montmellick, Mt Mellick, Mountmellic, or even Montmellic, Mountmellick is the correct spelling as it is taken from the name of the town in County Laois (pronounced leash) in Ireland. Mountmellick embroidery uses floral motifs and heavily knotted and padded stitches. The plants featured are traditionally those that grew in the township of Mountmellick itself, such as oak, blackberry, dog rose, and ivy.

The following features are regarded as being characteristic of Mountmellick work:

The stitches of Mountmellick embroidery

Mountmellick embroidery is highly textured with many knotted and padded stitches used. Part of the fun of working Mountmellick embroidery is playing around with the stitches and working variations of them. On some historical examples of Mountmellick, there were only a limited number of stitches used. However, due to all their variations, the effect produced was highly patterned and varied. There are a number of stitches that are regarded as unique to Mountmellick embroidery:

The Mountmellick knitted fringe

Mountmellick embroidery is traditionally edged in buttonhole stitch (often in scallops) to which a knitted fringe is attached. It is made using an ingenious method to create the fringe. Many times I have demonstrated the technique at needlework and craft shows, and the most common response is for people's jaws to drop open when they see how simple the fringing is!

The lace section of the knitting has thick ridges contrasting with lines of more open knitting. The ridges and open parts are created by increasing and decreasing stitches during the knitting process.

There are a number of different patterns that can be used to create the Mountmellick knitted lace/fringe. 3 or 4 strands of yarn are used together, which gives it its fullness.

Mountmellick embroidery for today

Mountmellick embroidery is highly suitable for use in the contemporary home. Although it is white, it can be used on many items of daily household use, as it can easily be boiled white again. Because it is so sturdy, the embroidery holds up well to this treatment.

Mountmellick embroidery is suitable to be used on:

It is because of the sturdiness of both the stitches and fabric, that there are so many surviving examples of Mountmellick embroidery. Those that have not survived to the present day are more likely to have fallen victim to changing fashions, rather than wear and tear or moths.

The present revival began in the 1960s when Sister Teresa Margaret McCarthy of the Mountmellick Presentation Convent began to investigate the style. Based on the historical examples that were shown to her, she taught herself the style and began to teach others. Sr Teresa is highly respected and is credited with being the driving force behind the revival.

Learning Mountmellick embroidery

Vetty Creations provides a number of ways to learn Mountmellick embroidery:

Where to see Mountmellick embroidery

On our Needlework Resource Links page, you can find an extensive listing of museum collections containing Mountmellick embroidery. Many collections do not ordinarily have Mountmellick on display. It is therefore always recommended that you book in advance with the appropriate curator, stating what you would like to see, so that you will not be disappointed.

Mountmellick embroidery supplies

Because Mountmellick embroidery is an historical style of embroidery, materials as close to the traditional ones should be used. Our page on Mountmellick embroidery supplies provides more detail on what to use and where to get it.

Vetty Creations has a full range of Mountmellick embroidery supplies, including thread, fabric, knitting cotton, needles and kits, available for purchase. Purchase Mountmellick embroidery supplies.

Further reading about Mountmellick embroidery

For further reading on the subject, we have provided a handy listing of Mountmellick embroidery books. While some are out of print, they may be available through public or needlework guild libraries, or from second-hand bookshops.

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