Naversom is a needlework technique originating in Sweden, where samples have been found from the 17th and 18th century. The technique Naversom (translated as "birch bark") takes its name from the supple frame originally used to support the embroidery while it was being created. In Sweden, young shepherdesses would stretch the work over a birch bark frame that could be rolled up and taken with them while the young girls watched their animals.

Traditionally, this embroidery was stitched from the back of the fabric, so that the frames could be easily rolled up when necessary. In this manner, the face of the stitching was kept free of soil. However, the final appearance could not be seen until the embroidery was removed from the frame after all the stitching had been completed.

The stitching of a bier (burial) band was one of the first duties carried out by a young wife. It was left to her to prepare the long band that would be used to lower the coffins of family members into the grave. Naversom was often the technique used to embellish the band. At the time of the burial, the bier band would be buried with the deceased, which explains why this technique is rarely seen it it's traditional length in museums.

More contemporary uses of this technique include the decoration of household items such as borders on tablecloths, alter cloths, lampshades, and wall hangings. The open, airy appearance of Naversom closely resembles that of Hardanger, but the stitching technique is distinctly different.

The stitches for Naversom are worked on a grid of threads constructed from closely woven linen of around 35 threads per inch. This grid is then reinforced with the four stitches used in Naversom: Goose-eye; darning; diagonal and ground. A wide variety of designs can be developed by the use of only these four stitches.

Note: The Naversom doily shown above was designed by Maia J. Gilmore for an article in Piecework Magazine (May/June 1995.) This design was my first experience with Naversom, but the lure of it still remains with me. I never had the opportunity to meet Mrs Gilmore (1919-2002), but I understand that she was an openhearted and giving woman, who would have been delighted with her work appearing on the Internet. Purchase complete instructions for this technique: Techniques of Swedish Naversom Purchase additional designs using this technique: Darning Sampler, Inspired by Swedish Naversom Flower Power, Inspired by Swedish Naversom Study In Contrasts, Inspired by Swedish Naversom Watercolor Vine, Inspired by Swedish Naversom Fancy Purse, Inspired by Swedish Naversom