Fantastic crafts and where to find them...

Did you know that there are only 4 independent hand makers of Passementerie left working and making in the UK today? We are officially an endangered species and the reasons for the craft’s endangered status is very complex and multi faceted. Heritage Crafts publishes the Red List of Endangered Crafts and passementerie has been listed as endangered since 2019. In the next issue of the Red List, Heritage Crafts believes that passementerie will move into the ‘critically endangered’ category as there are so few professional craftspeople practising the craft in the UK.

It is wonderful to see endangered crafts highlighted so brilliantly in the press and I am delighted to have my work featured in the latest issue of Country and Town House magazine, beautifully presented in the ‘Hot List Fantastic Crafts and Where to Find Them’ article. The article highlights the work of 7 UK craftspeople, including 4 other endangered crafts and fellow Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust Scholars - brush maker Lucinda Goulden, Straw plaiter Veronica Main, globe maker J Wright and puppet maker Oliver Hymans.

Why is passementerie endangered? It’s a complicated story. In a nutshell, the decline of handmade passementerie in the UK can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise of mass production, cheaper labour costs abroad, and a lack of awareness or appreciation for the intricate skills involved in passementerie. The craft, which involves the detailed creation of decorative trimmings such as tassels, braids, and fringes, requires years of training and a deep understanding of traditional techniques. Without active efforts to preserve and promote passementerie, the knowledge and artistry of this incredible craft risks being lost forever.

Me weaving a Crete design on my largest floor loom called Big Bertha.

I am dedicated to raising the profile of passementerie and ensuring that this exquisite craft does not fade into obscurity. By sharing the rich history and artistry behind each piece, I hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the skill and creativity involved in its making. My mission is not only to preserve these traditional techniques but also to adapt and innovate, bringing passementerie into contemporary design spaces where its beauty and craftsmanship can be celebrated.

If you would like to know more about me and my approach to passementerie, I will be in conversation with textile artist Jayne Emerson and Susan Weeks of Stitchery Stories on 12th September. This is a live online conversation and a recording will be available if you can’t make the date. Please click here to book your ticket. Or you can join me for my next online passementerie masterclass, please click here.