Free Casalguidi Tutorial
Written and Designed by Janet M. Davies 

Casalguidi embroidery is named after a town in Italy. The Raised Stem stitch, Woven Picots, Buttonhole Bars and Four Sided stitch background being the most recognisable style to this embroidery. Giving a raised textured 'crusty' look. Decor bags and table mats were popular items made. Pieces of this work on display in museums today are adorned with tassels and twisted cords. Faggot stitching was popular for joining the sides of the decor bags together.

An antique Casalguidi bag front

Traditionally linen thread and fabric was used. But today many fabrics and threads can be used. Stranded and Pearl cottons, Rayon and Metallic threads. As long as the thread gives the structure to the stitch used. Play around with what threads you desire.

An even weave fabric, is needed to produce Four Sided stitch in pulled squares. But if you do not want to use this stitch in a design, close weave fabric can be used. For Linen-Cotton fabric, your local dress fabric shop is a great place to start looking.

Beads add more lovely texture to the design. There are so many sizes and shapes these days.....go for it! This is your design, so what ever pleases you, do it.  www.jmddesigns.co.nz

Janet's stitching below are more contemporary in their design. 

THERE’S BUTTERFLIES IN OUR GARDEN MUMMY
This design is based on an aerial view of a traditional English Knot garden. The green Raised Stem stitch showing the twisted pathway of the hedge. The Four sided stitched background showing cobble stoned walkways. Inside the hedges are the flower gardens, and of course every garden should have some Butterflies. Counted thread fabric was used to stitch on. Personally I made this design into a small cushion with a twisted cord made of the colours used in the design, with tassels on each corner. A framed picture or box lid could be made using this design. Also a single large blue flower flanked by two small raised knots, surrounded by miniature flowers is also given in the book. This design pictured is 15 cm (6 inch) square. This design is featured in Janet's book. Click to see details

JONNY’S GONE FISHING
Counted thread fabric was used to stitch on. DMC Rayon threads were used to give the shimmer of an underwater look, but DMC Stranded cottons thread can be substituted. Beads highlight the background and Starfish. This design is 13 x 12 cms (4 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches).This design is featured in Janet's book. Click to see details

GEORGE’S FUCHSIAS
This design could be used as a round box lid as shown in the book with box making directions. Or framed as a picture or small pillow. The Four sided stitched background was stitched on counted thread fabric. Beads highlight the background. There are also three other small designs using Fuchsia flowers in the book. This design pictured is 17 cms (6 ¾ ") round. This design is featured in Janet's book.
Click to see details

THE WISDOM OF SPRING
The Four sided stitched background was stitched on counted thread fabric with metallic thread. Beads highlight the background and inside the small flowers. The coiled inside of the large flower gives a great raised statement. A single large coiled flower in a small basket is also given in the book. This design pictured is 14 cm (5 1/2 inches) square. This design is featured in Janet's book. Click to see details

PASSION DAISIES
This design could be framed as a picture or made into a box lid. The Four sided stitched background was stitched on counted thread fabric. Beads highlight the background. There is also a round design using the above raised design components in the book. This design could be used as a box lid as shown in the book with box making directions. Stitch the flowers in your favourite colours. This design pictured is 15 x 11 cms (6 x 4 inches). This design is featured in Janet's book. Click for details

Contemporary Casalguidi.

Contemporary Casalguidi. Stitched on 20 count fabric. A real mixture of threads were used. Buttonhole rings are attached to the ends of the tassels. Bag size 15x18cm (6x7 inches).

Contemporary design. The design was stitched on close weave cotton fabric, so no Four Sided stitch was used. Variegated Pearl cottons were used for the middle flower. The other stitching was done with cottons and rayon.  Bugle and rounds beads with French knots were added for decoration. A twisted cord was made using a variety of the threads used in the stitching. A tassel hangs from one corner. Design size,15cm (6 inches).

Contemporary Casalguidi bags. Bag size 15x18cm (6x7 inches).

Buttonhole bars are used to make this tiny frog.

A similar Cotemporary Casalguidi design can be found in my Casalguidi book for you to stitch also. In this design I have used: Anchor Pearl cotton, Anchor Metallic thread, Anchor Multi Pearl variegated thread and Marlitt Rayon thread. Design size: 15 x10cm (6 x 4 inches)

Pomegranate. Based on Casalguidi and Stumpwork stitches. Hand made twisted cord and beaded tassel. A metallic fabric was placed behind the main fabric stitched on to show through the Four Sided stitching. Rectangle design size: 16x11cm (41/2 x 61/2 inches)

Contemporary Casalguidi embroidery box lid. A mixture of Pearl cottons, metallic threads and beads were used. The twisted vine is Raised Stem stitch. The large flower petals are Woven Picots. The small flowers are Double Sided Buttonhole Bars. The squiggly lines are Wrapped Coils of thread. Four Sided stitch in the centre background. Box lid size, 20 x 18 cm (8 x 7 inches)

Contemporary Casalguidi. 18 cm square (7 inches)

Buttonhole bars are used to make this small Christmas tree.