A “Toccata” in musical terms means, literally, “touch piece”. It is a musical form written for solo instrument, in a free style, characterised by full chords, rapid runs, high harmonies, and other virtuoso elements. It is designed to showcase and improve an individual performer’s skills on the particular instrument for which it was written.
This design, a pattern darning sampler and number five in the series, is a “Toccata” for needlework. It was designed to show off an individual stitcher’s skills and for learning, practicing, and improving needlework techniques. It is a “touch piece” for embroiderers.