Fretwork

Fretwork is an intricate pattern of design carved in low relief on a solid background or cut out with a fretsaw, scrollsaw or jigsaw. The art of fretwork began more than 3000 years ago with fretted inlays on furniture in Egypt. It has been popular in North America and Europe from the mid 1800's until today. In 1974 Helmut Abel of Germany started building the Hegner line of scroll saws which started a new popularization of fretwork as a hobby.

Most fretwork designs are geometric in pattern and are commonly made of wood or metal. Fretwork is used to adorn furniture or musical instruments, but the term has also been used to describe the tracery on doors or windows.

Fretwork is also used in architectural design where specific elements of décor are named according to their use: Eave Bracket, Gable Fretowrk, Baluster Fretwork. In essence, any item that is cut out is considered fretwork.

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