Tablecloth/piano tablecloth with kelim embroidery

Tablecloth/piano tablecloth with kelim embroidery, embroidered with wool thread, without lining. Size 158*130 cm. Made in 1928, perfect condition.

The origin of kelim embroidery can probably be linked to kelim (kilim) woven carpets. Kelim is the German equivalent of kilim, it means woven body, but a type of embroidery has also developed, which consists of v-shaped stitches.

The stitch of kelim embroidery is a half-cross stitch, it goes through two blocks (so it actually forms a rectangle) and the stitches face each other. The base material is congre, on which we embroider with thicker woolen thread. The effect of the needlework surface is as if it were smooth knitting. First, we make the outline of the pattern (mostly with black or brown yarn), then we fill in the same colors. The finished tablecloth, tapestry, and pillow must be lined, then fringed, if required.