The RSN Embroidery Studio was recently approached by a gentleman who, while travelling, had embroidered a full set of dining room chair seats. He had enjoyed using them but fancied a change, so he removed them from the chairs and had them reupholstered. He then came to us for suggestions on what to do with the embroidered pieces.

They had been beautifully worked in canvas work—a slow, detailed embroidery technique that takes many hours to complete. With so much effort involved, it would have been a shame not to reuse them in some way. We suggested transforming the pieces into a rug.

Of course, it wasn’t that straightforward, as a chair seat, when laid flat, is not a square or rectangular shape. The team put on their thinking caps and turned to pencil and paper. We wanted to preserve as much of the embroidery as possible and were keen to avoid cutting through the client’s hard work.

With meticulous planning, the team cleverly positioned the individual pieces to form a cohesive rug. The canvas pieces had two different background colours, so we arranged several layout options and sent images to the client, who chose their preferred combination. Once the canvases were joined, the rug was edged with a suitable fabric to create an even rectangular shape. It was then interlined, lined, and finished with non-slip strips stitched to the back, making it safe for use on both laminate and carpeted floors.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored or conserved?

Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.