GP & J Baker | Suzani Stitch

Suzani Stitch takes the large embroidered medallions of Central Asian suzani textiles and reworks them as a repeating linen embroidery. The motifs are bold, round and heavily stitched, with the polyester thread giving a dense, matte cover, and the design reads as pattern from a distance and as handwork close to. At 38 by 67 centimetres the repeat is wider than it is tall, so it patterns across a curtain generously. The medallions are the point of the design, so it needs enough surface to show two or three at once.

The composition is 74 per cent linen and 26 per cent polyester, the polyester being the thread. It is 134 centimetres wide with a 38 centimetre vertical and 67 centimetre horizontal repeat, and it is specified for curtains and bedspreads. Two colourways: Blue, a single-tone reading on natural that is calm and easy, and Jewel, the multicoloured version with reds, ochres and greens that is closer to the original textiles.

We use it as a bedspread more than anything, where the medallions sit flat and the stitch can be seen; it also makes a strong pair of curtains in a sitting room and a set of floor cushions. Pair with plain linens and a small geometric like Art Stitch or Pavilion. In a hallway it makes a good bench cushion or a wall hanging. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

The horizontal repeat matters here: match across widths so the medallions line up at the seams. Allow one vertical repeat per drop. Line and interline curtains; for a bedspread, a light interlining and a plain lining give it weight. It is not rated for upholstery. Order a little extra for a bedspread so the medallions can be centred on the mattress.

• Composition: 74% linen, 26% polyester
• Width: 134 cm (53 in)
• Pattern repeat: 38 cm vertical, 67 cm horizontal
• Care: Dry clean only; do not wash, bleach or iron
• Collection: Winslow, GP & J Baker
• Colourways: 2 (Blue, Jewel)