What can the materials and techniques used in Anglo-Saxon embroidery tell us about their society's resources and skills?

Anglo-Saxon embroidery, through its materials and techniques, reveals significant insights into the resources, skills, and societal structures of the time. The use of materials like wool, linen, silk, and precious metals reflects the availability of local resources and the extent of trade networks. Wool, a common fiber, suggests widespread sheep farming and textile production, while the presence of linen implies established flax cultivation or trade connections. More luxurious materials like silk and gold thread, particularly prominent in ecclesiastical embroideries such as the Cuthbert embroideries, indicate access to long-distance trade routes and the wealth required to acquire such high-status items. As Lester-Makin notes, "Creative influences, including embroidery, move with people. Design, fashion, materials and working techniques would have spread throughout the countries".

Techniques, particularly stitch types, also offer clues about Anglo-Saxon skills and societal organization. The presence of relatively simple stitches like stem stitch, chain stitch, and split stitch showcases the fundamental embroidery skills shared across different social strata. More complex techniques, such as laid work and couching, seen in high-status pieces demonstrate specialized skills and training. The use of looped stitch in certain regions suggests cultural connections and possibly migration patterns. The sheer complexity of the craft also speaks to a structured and sustained knowledge base. "Creative influences, including embroidery, move with people. Design, fashion, materials and working techniques would have spread throughout the countries." As evidenced by finds such as the Kempston fragment, the fine quality and consistency of the stitching underscore the dedication, care, and high level of skill expected from embroidery workers, especially in elite or ecclesiastical settings.

Moreover, the combination of materials and techniques reflects a hierarchical society. Sumptuous materials and intricate techniques were often reserved for religious artifacts or elite garments, reinforcing the power and authority of the Church and ruling classes. In contrast, simpler techniques and locally sourced materials might have been employed in more domestic or utilitarian contexts. This is supported by the study's observation that the finest materials and most complex techniques were frequently associated with elite or ecclesiastical commissions.