Plainweave
![Embroidered bookbinding on plainweave fabric. Executed by Elizabeth I of England at age 11 in 1544.](/Images/godic/202502/03/Embroidered_bookbinding_Elizabeth_I5915.jpg")
In embroidery, plainweave is a technical category of woven base fabrics that are suitable for working certain varieties of embroidery. Plainweave fabrics have a tight weave and individual threads are not readily visible. Surface embroidery may be performed on plainweave, such as crewel work, goldwork, stumpwork, cutwork, and candlewicking.