Chicken Scratch Embroidery

Jenny Ryan is an artist, crafter, and maker of things. She lives in Los Angeles with a pack of various animals (including her husband) and writes about her adventures in creating at Exit Through the Thrift Shop.

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June 6th, 2008 8

Today I’ve unexpectedly come across not one, but two blogs talking about Chicken Scratch Embroidery, also called Depression Lace. Above is a pic of Kerri Made’s beautiful handiwork (created from her own pattern!), which she cooked up after reading a how-to PDF posted online courtesy of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

And Amy Karol just posted about the new Tie One On apron-making theme, which is “Gingham Summer”–she encourages the participants to give Chicken Scratch a go, with this vintage apron from her collection serving as a great example.

8 thoughts on “Chicken Scratch Embroidery”

Cassie Ogle says:

June 6th, 2008 at 8:05 pm

I love Chicken Scratch Embroidery! I recently took a quilting class where we were taught how to do chicken scratch. I’m so glad to see this posted here :D
Rabid Designs says:

December 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

I saw this type of embroidery hit on flickr around this time and I hadn’t gotten a chance to try it until now. It’s been a lot of fun :)
SHAMIM BANO says:

January 28th, 2010 at 2:39 am

great dude Craftzine.com blog : Chicken Scratch Embroidery I just love it.
I seen some great stuff here also http://www.momrecipebook.com
LOUISE says:

January 28th, 2012 at 2:55 pm

I have some squares that are done but I don’t know how to do it. Does anyone know how I can get the pattern?