From the Original Text

“Open-work with spiders. These require particular care and skill. After drawing the threads, group the perpendicular ones that remain into clusters, and secure them with a few close overcast stitches. Then, beginning from the middle of one of these clusters, and by means of back stitches, draw the working thread to and fro, in radiating lines, thus forming what looks like a spider’s web.”

— Thérèse de Dillmont, Encyclopedia of Needlework, 1886

Modern Step-by-Step Instructions

Open-work with spiders creates intricate web-like patterns by forming radiating thread structures within drawn-thread areas. This sophisticated technique produces delicate, lace-like effects that resemble spiderwebs, adding both beauty and complexity to open-work.

What You’ll Need

  • Fine even-weave fabric — High-quality linen with regular thread structure
  • Fine embroidery thread — Thread finer than fabric threads for delicate work
  • Very sharp needle — Size 26-28 for precision work
  • Embroidery scissors — For exact thread cutting
  • Magnification — Helpful for seeing fine detail clearly
  • Excellent lighting — Essential for precision work
  • Master-level skills — Requires extensive open-work experience
  • Exceptional patience — This is slow, meticulous work

How to Work the Open-work with Spiders

  1. Draw out threads carefully, planning spider locations.
  2. Group perpendicular threads into small, even clusters.
  3. Secure each cluster with tight overcast stitches.
  4. Begin from cluster center and anchor your working thread.
  5. Create radiating lines using back stitches to form the web structure.
  6. Work systematically to create even, symmetrical patterns.
  7. Connect web lines to adjacent clusters for continuity.
  8. Finish with precision, ensuring all thread ends are invisibly secured.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Open-work with Spiders

  • This is master-level work—ensure you have extensive open-work experience first
  • Plan spider placement carefully before beginning; changes are difficult
  • Use magnification to see the delicate thread intersections clearly
  • Work in excellent light to maintain precision throughout
  • Keep radiating lines evenly spaced for symmetrical spiders
  • Secure cluster overcast stitches very tightly to prevent shifting
  • Practice back stitch technique until it becomes automatic
  • Work slowly—rushing will result in uneven, unsatisfactory spiders

Traditional Uses

Open-work with spiders was reserved for the most prestigious and delicate applications:

  • Exhibition pieces — Demonstrating supreme needlework skill
  • Bridal veils — Adding ethereal beauty to wedding attire
  • Christening gowns — Delicate decoration for ceremonial garments
  • Altar cloths — Religious textiles requiring exceptional beauty
  • Portrait collar details — High-fashion elements for formal wear
  • Competition entries — Showcasing advanced technical ability
  • Museum-quality samplers — Preserving master-level techniques

Historical Note

The spider technique represented the pinnacle of Victorian drawn-thread artistry, requiring “particular care and skill” as de Dillmont emphasized. The naturalistic inspiration—creating actual spider web patterns—reflected the era’s fascination with nature-inspired design. This technique demonstrated the needleworker’s ability to transform functional fabric into ethereal art. The radiating structure created through back stitches showed sophisticated understanding of both structural engineering and artistic effect. Only the most accomplished needleworkers attempted this work, making spider open-work a mark of exceptional skill and dedication to the craft.

Open-work with spiders creates intricate web-like patterns by forming radiating thread structures within drawn-thread areas. This sophisticated technique produces delicate, lace-like effects that resemble spiderwebs, adding both beauty and complexity to open-work.