Crewelwork, is a decorative form of surface embroidery using wool and a variety of different embroidery stitches to follow a design outline applied to the fabric. The technique is at least a thousand years old. It was used in the Bayeux tapestry, in Jacobean embroidery and in the Quaker tapestry. The crewel technique is at least a thousand years old. It was used in the Bayeux tapestry, in Jacobean embroidery and in the Quaker tapestry. Goldwork is the art of embroidery using metal threads. It is particularly prized for the way light plays on it. The term goldwork is used even when the threads are imitation gold, silver, or copper. Silk ribbon embroidery commonly called SRE can be used to embellish lots of things: household items like decorative pillows, book covers, clothing, and even greeting cards.