Embroidered Medieval Linen Shift Online Course

We are pleased to present our free Embroidered Medieval Linen Shift online course, which ran for a total of six modules in our newsletter in late 2020.

You can access the content of the course via a video and downloadable PDF, and we would advise you to access both the video and the PDF for each module to get the most out of the course.

Some modules focus on historical information, both about the linen shift – particularly during the medieval period – and also about embroidery in medieval Europe. The other modules are more practical and will teach you how to cut out and hand stitch a linen shift, and how to decorate your shift with hand embroidery.

You don’t have to do the whole course, and you can choose which modules you want to access and whether or not you want to do the practical tasks.

The first module serves as an introduction to the course, and you will find more information about the course and the course tutors in the video and accompanying PDF. There’s also Information about what you will need to take part in the practical aspects of the course in both the video and PDF.

If you have any questions please contact Stella at [email protected]

Module 1: Introduction

The first module serves as an introduction to the course and your tutors.

Click HERE for the video and use the password Linen Shift 1 
Click HERE to access the downloadable PDF

Module 2: A Brief History of the Linen Shift

In this module you will learn about:

  • The phases of clothing construction, and where the medieval linen shift fits into a broad sweep of fashion;
  • What everyday people might have been wearing in 1220;
  • What a linen shift might have looked like in 1220;
  • Where we can find the evidence to tell us how people dressed in 1220.

Click HERE for the video and use the password Linen Shift 2
Click HERE to access the downloadable PDF

Module 3: Plain Sewing

In this module you will learn about:

  • The history of plain sewing samplers;
  • The basics for setting up and working plain sewing;
  • Some of the stitches and techniques that were probably used by the medieval shift maker.

Click HERE for the video and use the password Linen Shift 3 
Click HERE to access the downloadable PDF

Module 4: How to design and cut out a Medieval Linen Shift

In this module you will learn about:

  • The basic method for designing a medieval linen shift
  • The design features of a medieval linen shift;
  • How to lay out and cut out a medieval linen shift;
  • Some modern alternative options to the traditional medieval linen shift;
  • A brief introduction to medieval scissors.

Click HERE for the video and use the password Linen Shift 4
Click HERE to access the downloadable PDF

Module 5: A Brief History of the Embroidery of Medieval Europe

In this module you will learn about:

  • The embroidery that was being made during the medieval period;
  • Who the embroidery was being made for;
  • Who was making the embroidery
  • The kind of embroidery which might have been used to decorate a linen shift

Click HERE for the video and use the password Linen Shift 5
Click HERE to access the downloadable PDF

Module 6: Embroidery 

In this extended module you will learn about:

  • The history of embroidered samplers;
  • The evidence for white embroidery on white linen cloth during the medieval period;
  • A decorative hem and some drawn thread work embroidery that may have been used to decorate a medieval linen shift.

Click HERE for your first video and use the password Linen Shift 6one
Click HERE to access the first downloadable PDF

Click HERE for your second video and use the password Linen Shift 6two
Click HERE to access the second downloadable PDF