Inlegkruisjes

Inlegkruisjes is a term used in textile and needlework to refer to small cross-shaped inlays that are inserted into a base fabric to form decorative motifs. The word combines inleg, meaning inlay, with kruisjes, meaning small crosses. In practice, inlegkruisjes can be created by cutting cross-shaped pieces from contrasting fabrics or other materials and attaching them to a ground fabric, or by forming cross-shaped elements directly in embroidery or beading.

Technique and materials: Inlay crosses may be made as appliqué pieces, sewn down with common stitching such as blanket stitch, whipstitch, or running stitch, or integrated into embroidery with appropriate stitches to sit flush with the surface. The inlays can be crafted from different fabrics (cotton, linen, wool, silk) or from non-fabric materials (metallic threads, leather, or beads) to achieve various textures and appearances. The result is a geometric or pictorial motif that stands out against the background.

Applications: Inlegkruisjes appear in a range of textile contexts, including traditional costumes, ecclesiastical textiles, embroidery samplers, and decorative household textiles such as linens and upholstery. In historical contexts, they are part of broader inlay and appliqué traditions that emphasize flat, decorative surfaces and defined motifs.

Relation to other techniques: The practice overlaps with appliqué, patchwork, and embroidery. While inlegkruisjes emphasizes cross-shaped inlays, similar effects can be achieved with other geometric inlays or with cross-stitch patterns.

See also: appliqué, inlay, patchwork, cross-stitch, embroidery.