Pulled thread work is a counted thread technique in which the threads of the fabric are pulled or drawn together to make lacy patterns. It must not be confused with drawn thread work where the threads are actually withdrawn from the fabric.
During the 17th century, laces from France were heavily taxed. In Denmark, Germany, the Low Countries and England, embroiderers stitched exquisite designs on fine white muslin, lawn or cambric which closely resembled lace designs. In Germany the work was called POINTE DE DRESDE, in Scotland, AYRSHIRE WORK, in Denmark, TONDER LACE, and Belgium, FLEMISH WORK.
Pulled thread work on muslin was taught to young girls in Europe and North America and was frequently advertised in the curricula of boarding schools.
Fine work was also done in Ireland where the children were paid a pittance to keep the needles threaded so as to not waste time.
Traditionally, pulled thread work was worked in self colour, relying on contrasting areas of texture to be produced by varying the thickness of the thread and varying the stitch pattern.
Earlier embroiderers experimented with stitches, fabrics and techniques. It is only in the 20th century that rules have been laid down for the “correct” pulled thread technique. This has led to work of a high standard but with rather stilted designs.