Join the Stitch Squad: Craft Jersey’s Epic Mini Bayeux Tapestry!

Jersey Heritage is inviting volunteers to help create a new tapestry inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This community project aims to make a Jersey version that will be 7 meters long, much shorter than the original 70-meter tapestry in France. The Bayeux Tapestry was made in the 11th century and tells the story of William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Jersey tapestry will be part of the celebrations for the 1,000th anniversary of William's birth, which will be marked in 2027 as the Year of the Normans. William became Duke of Normandy in 1035, and the Channel Islands, including Jersey, were part of his lands when he became King of England.

The project is open to everyone, no matter their stitching skills. People who join will learn the same medieval stitches used in the original Bayeux Tapestry. There will be workshops where volunteers can practice and work together to complete the tapestry panels. Two expert embroiderers from Bayeux will visit Jersey in April to teach and share their knowledge. The Jersey tapestry will have nine panels, each measuring 61 centimeters by 80 centimeters. The borders of the panels will feature mythical creatures designed by primary school children and stitched by secondary school students. The tapestry will be made using wool and linen, just like the original, and will eventually be displayed at the Jersey Museum.

The stories on the tapestry will be written in Jersey's native language, Jèrriais, and will focus on important women from Jersey's history, such as Emma of Normandy, Eleanor of Provence, and Margaret of Provence. The project leaders hope to highlight the role of women in Jersey's medieval past, since the original Bayeux Tapestry only shows three women in its entire length. The Jersey tapestry will help people learn more about the island's history and the connections between Jersey and Normandy. This project is supported by the Government of Jersey and aims to bring the community together to celebrate their shared heritage. Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether they are experienced stitchers or complete beginners.