Tape Work

Embroidery detail from a suite of bedroom chairs, Marble House, Newport, RI. Originals: Paris, circa 1890, on silk velvet.

Tape Work, (ribbon or strap work) is one of four embroidery techniques used on this chain back. The beauty of tape work is the way the hand applied ribbon forms curves. (The other three techniques are Long & Short Stitch, Couched Cording, and Accent Stitches.)