Stor nælde – brown – wall piece – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

Stor nælde – brown – wall piece – Gerda Bengtsson (GB)

This wall piece presents a large nettle embroidered as a tall and slender plant. The motif shows the plant from its roots at the bottom to the top of the stem, resulting in a botanical embroidery with a calm and graphic expression.

The long stem runs vertically through the entire design. Along the stem the leaves appear in several levels. The leaves are clearly serrated and give the plant its characteristic appearance.

Between the leaves small hanging flower clusters appear. Their fine and delicate shapes create contrast to the stronger leaf forms. The many small details give the motif life and structure.

The colours are kept in warm brown and deep tones, giving the embroidery a subdued and elegant expression. At the same time the restrained colour palette emphasises the form and structure of the plant.

At the base a small root anchors the plant in the ground. The botanical representation gives the motif an almost illustrative quality, presenting the plant as a nature study in embroidery.

The embroidery is worked in cross stitch with Danish Flower Thread on linen. The fine stitches render the leaves, stem and flowers with precision. The finished embroidery becomes a narrow and decorative wall piece with a classic nature motif.

About Haandarbejdets Fremme

Haandarbejdets Fremme has been a central part of Danish embroidery tradition since 1928. The association is especially known for its patterns with plant motifs and studies from nature.

Gerda Bengtsson is one of the most influential designers at Haandarbejdets Fremme. Her embroidery designs are based on careful studies of plants and nature, combining botanical precision with a simple and harmonious design language.