Flamestitch

Its dramatic points and curves have meant this zigzag stitch has been consistently elevating textiles since at least the 16th century, and is still making waves today, says Celia Rufey

- Celia Rufey

Flamestitch is a needlework pattern traditionally stitched by hand in wool or silk on linen. Its flickering shape and skilful grading of colours captures the vitality and danger that lurks around fire, so specially potent during centuries when it was seen by candlelight. Where and when the stitch sequence was first devised is a subject of speculation, but flame patterns had a recognised presence in Europe by the 16th century.