Strawberry Thief by William Morris
Limited Edition Floss Bobbin by Primitive and Wood (P&W)
A collector’s treasure for embroidery lovers and fans of classic British design.
• Size: 60x60 mm
• Thread slot: 4x1 mm
• Print applied to one side, hand-sanded for a silky smooth finish
• Colors are set and sealed – won’t fade or rub off
This design is based on Strawberry Thief – one of William Morris’s most iconic patterns. Inspired by the thrushes that stole berries from his garden, it became one of the most reproduced works in the history of textile design.
What makes this pattern truly special is its revolutionary printing process. For the first time, Morris used a method that layered red and yellow dyes onto a blue-and-white base — a painstaking technique that took him eight years to perfect. In May 1883, he wrote to his daughter:
"Last week I spent a lot of time in Merton, anxiously watching the first edition of Strawberry Thief, which I think we’ve finally got right."
The final result so delighted him that he registered the design with the Patent Office.
Only a handful of these bobbins were made, and once they’re gone — they’re gone.
This design is also available as a matching needle minder, thread organizer, and magnetic box.