Kits / The 1650 Altar Frontal

The 1650 Altar Frontal

This glorious embroidery replicates a mid-17th century Altar Frontal which is currently in the Embroiderers' Guild National needlework collection held at Bucks Museum. The design depicts a collection of first-testament biblical scenes including the birth of Jesus, the Nativity Scene, and Adam & Even in the Garden of Eden.

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Exceptional Quality

Sustainably sourced materials supporting traditional crafts

This kit comes complete with everything you need to complete the design. All the materials have been selected for their quality and historic integrity and with longevity in mind. In particular, the specialist, finely-spun crewel wools have been hand-dyed with natural cochineal to honour the original embroidery.

Specialist Cochineal hand-dyed crewel wools
Needles
Pure Linen Twill
Stitch Instructions
10 x A3 Stitch Charts
10 x A3 Posters

Supporting the EGA

Each purchase of this kit provides much-needed income to conserve historic embroideries in the Embroiderers' Guild of Great Britain

About The 1650 Altar Frontal

A grand journey through history: stitch the 17th‑century Altar Frontal

Inspired by a remarkable mid-1600s altar frontal from the Embroiderers’ Guild’s collection at Bucks Museum, this exceptional kit invites advanced stitchers to recreate a striking series of biblical scenes, from the Nativity to Adam and Eve’s fall, all in a dramatic duo-tone of deep cochineal red. The kit features finely spun, hand-dyed crewel wool and a generous 130 × 185 cm linen twill, offering ample space for this monumental design to unfold.

Developed in collaboration with the Embroiderers’ Guild, the kit includes detailed stitch charts to guide you through the design and is an inspiring challenge for advanced stitchers. A portion of each purchase supports the preservation of the original altar piece, making this a rare opportunity to combine craftsmanship, artistry, and heritage in one extraordinary project.

Lowers blood pressure

Embroidery calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and contributes to lower blood pressure, reducing stress for improved well-being.
Regulates breath

Engaging in embroidery encourages mindful, rhythmic stitching, promoting focused breathing patterns that can induce a sense of calm and relaxation.
Calms nervous system

Embroidery, with its repetitive and rhythmic hand movements, engages the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Form deep social bonds

Our online community fosters connection through a shared creative space, encouraging communication and supporting the exchange of ideas, nurturing deep social bonds among members.

Pairs well with

We Three Kings Kit

$181.00

Need more supplies?

We Three Kings Kit

This vibrant design depicts a nativity scene detail from the 1650 Altar Frontal. The three kings are shown in early 17th Century court dress and Mary and Joseph are in the more modest clothing of the time.

Enjoy the simplicity of stitching in one colour and play with a range of historic crewel work techniques featured on the original embroidery, including. The design is an ideal size for a Christmas cushion or looks lovely simply framed.

$181.00

What size is the design?

This design itself measures 80 x 145cm (31 ¼ x 57 in.). The linen measures 130 x 185cm (51 x 72 ½ in.). We add more than usual to the top and bottom of this design so you have enough selvedge to hang your embroidery from a pole if desired.

What stitches are featured in the design?

The stitches featured on in this design are Long and Short, Long & Short Buttonhole, Closed and Crossed Buttonhole, Holbein, French Knots, Roumanian, Seeding, Crewel Stem, Laid and Couched Work, Crewel Ermine and Spider’s Web Stitches.

What else will I need?

This design can be stitched on a hoop but most embroiderers prefer to give themselves more space and less bulk by stitching on a slate frame. Slate frames can be sourced from Jenny Adin-Christie in the UK or Carrie Roberts of Ecclessiastical Embroidery in North America. You will also need a pare of embroidery scissors.

How long will it take me?

Everyone stitches at their own pace, but we would advice that this design will take a minimum of 60 hours. It's a substantial design, which we hope you will enjoy during many relaxing embroidery sessions.

Design & Fabric Dimensions

Design Dimensions: 41 x 29 cm (16 x 11 ½ inches)
Linen Dimensions: 61 x 49 cm (24 x 19 ¼ inches)

What else will I need?

We recommend using a Hands Free Seat Frame with an 8 inch hoop and with paddle base or table clamp. Alternatively you may prefer to use a Slate Frame or other frame of your choice.

You will also need a pair of scissors and a thimble if you use one.

What Stitches are Included in the Design

This design features the following techniques:

Reversed Chain Stitch
Crewel Stem
Whipped Spider's Web
Crewel Thorn
Closed Fly
Long & Short Stitch
French Knots
Pistil Stitch
Leaf Stitch

How we give back

We are passionate about keeping embroidery alive for future generations and supporting the talented artisans, collection owners, and arts professionals involved in their care.

Where possible, we donate a portion of the sale price directly to the castle, country house, or institution that owns the original embroidery.

These donations specifically support the care and conservation of historic embroideries in the respective collection, as well as the training of staff involved in their upkeep.

Delivery, Returns and Duties

- Free delivery on all UK orders over £100 and all international orders over £250.

- UK orders are sent by 2nd class 'Signed For' delivery (2–3 working days). Orders over 2kg are sent with DPD.

- International orders are sent tracked with Royal Mail. Duties are paid by us before dispatch, and the increased cost is included in the kit price—there are no additional landing costs.

Pre release preview

I was in Appleby-in-Westmorland and saw the replica Phillipa has produced alongside others. This is a beautiful altar frontal with so much interesting historical detail. It will make a great talking point and heirloom. The Biblical stories portrayed intertwined with the birds and flowers with some creepy crawlies add to the historical tale. I will use a slate frame for this.

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