Embroidery

Introduction

Embroidery is the embellishment of fabrics using needle and coloured threads with a wide variety of decorative Embroidery Stitches. It may also include additional materials, padding and beads for example. As with so many other techniques, it has been dated back to ancient China and has changed little since.

During the time of the The Tudors there was a revival in English Embroidery. The high standard of work from the Anglo-Saxon period to the end of the Middle Ages had made England famous throughout the world but this had declined. Previously, the emphasis was on elaborately decorated religious vestments and furnishings for worship but following the Reformation, the focus became clothing and household furnishings.

Materials

• Fabrics must be strong enough to withstand being held tight whilst embroidering and retain its shape when released. It should have a Thread Count which allows the needle and thread to pass through easily. Even-weave cotton fabrics are suitable for surface embroidery and for Cross Stitching, Aida Cloth is available.
• Embroidery Threads are available in a wide range of colours and can be combined to increase thickness. Stranded Cotton Floss can be be separated into individual threads to provide a variety of thicknesses.

Equipment

• Embroidery Hoops are used a pull the fabric tight and provide a convenient way of holding the workpiece as embroidery proceeds.
• Embroidery Needles have sharp points and an elongated eye to enable easier threading to thicker Embroidery Threads. Tapestry Needles have a large eye but a blunted tip to allow them to pass through the weaves of fabric without causing damage.
• Water based Transfer Pens provide one way of creating a design outline on the fabric withe advantage that the marks can be washed out afterwards.
• A Light Box is a useful addition to help trace designs from paper patterns on to fabric.

Embroidery Stitches

Running Stitch	The Running Stitch is the basic general sewing stitch on which all other stitches are based. It is quick to do and can be used for outlines.
Backstitch	The Backstitch is a basic sewing stitch that can be used to set the outline of a shape which might later be filled using a Satin Stitch for example.
Split Stitch	The Split Stitch is created by bringing the needle up in between two previously sewn threads. It produces a good solid outline with added texture but can also be used as a filling stitch.
Chain stitch	Chain stitches can be used to produce a surface embellishment and also emboldened outlines, especially useful for curved lines.
Stem Stitch	A Stem Stitch is a type f Backstitch that produces outlines resembling rope. AS the name suggests, it is commonly used for flower stems.
Buttonhole Stitch	The Buttonhole Stitch is a more closely packed version of a Blanket Stitch which can be used for surface decoration, to finish an edging or to secure addition materials in Appliqué work.
Satin Stitch	The Satin Stitch is a commonly used filler stitch for flowers and leaves.
Feather Stitch	The Feather Stitch is a variation of a Chain Stitch which produces a highly textured surface wider than a standard Chain Stitch making it suitable for wide bands and rows. It is a very naturalistic looking stitch that is often used to make leaves and branches.
Cross Stitch	Cross Stitch is the oldest form of embroidery in which designs are built up using crossed threads. It is featured in many examples of traditional folk art and was very popular with The Victorians when young girls were taught to sew by producing Samplers embroidered with cross-stitched alphabets, numbers, birds and other animals.
French Knot	French Knots are used to create highly textured, Candlewick type filled areas (e.g. to form the centre of a flower).
Couching	Couching (aka Laid Work) involves stitching over lengths of thicker yarn or strips of material which are laid on the surface of the workpiece.

Activity

Make a small Sampler to practice a selection of Embroidery Stitches and finish it with an embroidered Monogram based on your own initials.

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See also Decoupage, Marquetry, Inlay, Appliqué, and Collage

DT Online Buyers' Guide

The Embroidery Stitch Bible	Hand Embroidery Designs	Modern Cross Stitch	Tudor Rose Embroidery Kit	Embroidery Hoop Set	Assorted Coloured Skeins Embroidery Thread	Tapestry Hand Sewing Needles	Embroidery Transfer Pen	Round Glass Seed Beads	Binca Cross Stitch Fabric	Cotton Fabric For Embroidery