Naomi Nicholson

An ever popular subject, Native American counted cross stitch designs depict not only the people themselves, but items and animals important to their traditions and spirituality.

These indigenous people had - and still have - a huge respect for the animals and plants living alongside them. Specific animals have powers and legends associated with them, through which run the themes of bravery, generosity and honesty.

Important creatures include the bear, coyote, cougar, raven, wolf, eagle and the sacred white buffalo, all of which you will find in Native American counted cross stitch designs. Eagle feathers, highly prized sacred possessions often used in headresses, are also likely to be present in many patterns.

We must not forget the peace pipe, smoked in spiritual ceremonies whilst saying a prayer to the four cardinal points, North, South, East and West, coloured divisions of the circular Medicine Wheel. In fact many cross stitch designs of this genre are based on the circle, representing the sacred hoop or cycle of life, reminding us that as one life ends another begins.

Other ceremonies include dances, such as the Sun Dance, whilst dressed in traditional regalia, much of which was decorated with stitchery or beadwork. For over a century the Seminoles of Florida have used patchwork to make cotton garments, first to wear themselves and later to sell to tourists. The tiniest scraps of fabric were able to be used in this manner. You may see a Seminole border on a Native American cross stitch pattern.

In days gone by they carved beads out of bone, horn, hooves, turtle shell and wood for use on ritual items and clothing. They also drilled holes in animal teeth and dyed flattened porcupine quills to wear as neck chokers and dance regalia breastplates.

By the early 1800's they began to use larger glass beads, known as pony beads after the animals the traders rode. Smaller seed beads in a variety of colours became easily obtainable in the late 1840's and allowed more intricate designs to be worked in Peyote stitch. The inclusion of seed beads in a Native American counted cross stitch design follows on from this tradition.