 The crewel technique is not a counted-thread embroidery (like canvas work), but a style of free embroidery.Crewelwork had its heyday in Britain in the 17th century, but has come in and out of fashion several times since then.Traditionally, crewel embroidery is done on tightly woven linen twill, though more recently, other fabrics like Matka silk, cotton velvet, rayon velvet, silk organza, net fabric and also jute have been used.