The Queen’s Pomegranate by Kathy Andrews
3rd March 2023
When it comes to needlework techniques and design, you will often find a particular motif or design element has become synonymous with a specific stitch.
For example, Japanese bead embroidery will regularly feature a lotus, roses abound when working in ribbon embroidery and diamond stars frequent Hardanger designs.
In the same way you will find pomegranates are common in Crewel Embroidery, yet there is nothing common about the pomegranate starring in this week’s featured project.
The Queen's Pomegranate is Kathy Andrew’s debut project for Inspirations magazine, where she treats us to one of the most opulent and regal pomegranates you will ever see.
To get started, here are some facts on the project for you:
Publication: Inspirations magazine issue #117
Designer: Kathy Andrews from the USA
Project Name: The Queen’s Pomegranate
Project Type: Cushion
Technique: Crewel Embroidery
Fabric: Ivory Linen Twill
Design Transfer Required: Yes
Threads: Crewel Wool
Dimensions: 38cm (15”) square
Pomegranates have played a fascinating role throughout history across a plethora of cultures and religions with some Jewish scholars even claiming the pomegranate was the original forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden.
Kathy has based her design on the royal emblem of Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife. Her motto as Queen of England was ‘humble and loyal’ and her emblem was a crowned pomegranate.
When working with a royal emblem, there is a certain prestige and gravitas to consider, which we feel Kathy has captured beautifully through her choice of colours, restrained design and clean lines.
Yet at the same time, as this piece is after all a cushion, Kathy has given it just the right amount of warmth and a relaxed feel, which when you consider the competing agendas between regal formality and casual styling, a perfect harmonious balance has been achieved.
Our favourite element of Kathy’s work in this piece would have to be the textured effect used for the outer skin of the Pomegranate.
Achieved through the clever use of battlement couching, Kathy has utilised this technique to build up three layers of wool laid on top of each other in different hues from dark to light, with each layer slightly offset, resulting in an excellent dimensional finish.
Oh, and a quick shout out for Kathy’s choice of edging for the cushion… how wonderful does that free-flowing, sumptuous fringe look? Another nod to Kathy’s clever balance between a Queen and the couch!
Make Your Own | The Queen's Pomegranate
Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions
The Queen’s Pomegranate by Kathy Andrews is a stylish cushion with a regal pomegranate in crewel embroidery.
Inspirations Issue 117
The Queen’s Pomegranate – i117 Digital
Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit
The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for The Queen’s Pomegranate includes everything* you need to re-create this beautiful cushion: Fabric (inc. with pre-printed design), trim, sewing thread, embroidery threads and needle.
The Queen’s Pomegranate – i117 Kit
*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.