So-called because the wool came from Berlin, the distinctively brightly-coloured wool and simple patterns meant it was relatively simple for an amateur embroiderer to achieve success. It caught the public imagination, and it spread quickly around much of the world. Whilst one could purchase pre-made pieces, the emphasis was clearly on the amateur embroiderer. The most common items were household objects: cushions, slippers, fire screens, and reticules such as this one.