Cotton lawn with a cut and applied design; an embroidery created by stitching around pierced patterns. Traditionally and still now it is almost always white.
Broderie anglaise is fresh and dainty for babies and children, for summer dresses and for nightwear. It can be easily dyed for grown-up use; and it’s fun used with chintz, denim and fine shirt stripes, producing an effect reminiscent of the collar and cuff edgings on a summer shirt.
In furnishings it acts as sheer or semi sheer for windows or beds, unlined or lined in a contrast colour, in fabric layers or singly. As an edging, broderie anglaise trimming works as lace, stitched on or within the seams, for bed valances, cot bumpers, cushions etc.