What Is the Difference Between Crewel Work and Embroidery?

The definition of embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Crewel is under the umbrella of embroidery because crewel is a type of embroidery unique from the rest because of the thread used, which is wool. The thread used to embroider crewelwork is wool.

What is the use of crewel embroidery?

In the past, crewel embroidery was used on elaborate and expensive bed hangings and curtains. Now it is most often used to decorate cushions, curtains, clothing and wall hangings.

Why is it called crewel work?

Crewel was taken from the type of yarn that was used "krua" which means wool. This wool yarn was a thin worsted yarn made of two threads. The term crewel embroidery actually means wool embroidery and today refers to the design of the period not just the wool yarn that was used in the stitching.