What does count mean in embroidery? This means one thing but calculated in two ways, which is why we have confusion. Firstly, one for general textiles, for example sheets, and upholstery textiles and that’s let’s say 300 count. This is calculated by the number of threads in the warp + number of threads in the weft […]
So some top tips for needlepointers or if in uk tapestry canvases are usually designed for just a single half cross stitch (it can be described at continental or basket weave) to be honest from the front they are all the same, the back varies. The rule really is if you start in one finish […]
Embroidery thread can be classified in several ways, firstly material then we come to types as each material has a variety of types cotton threads come in a range of weights (thicknesses) and for different uses. Stranded cotton embroidery thread – This type of thread is the most commonly used and threads are a 100% […]
The precise origins of raised embroidery (stumpwork) are lost in time. So one can only look back to a period when even earlier embroiderers were working in the narrative style. Using two layers of linen fabric , a cotton wadding sandwich, and white as well as light brown linen threads. Sicilian embroiderers created the narrative […]
This is probably the most well known and easiest form of embroidery and a great way to start your journey. There are a huge number of kits and patterns available for this style of embroidery from key rings to portraits. And it’s totally addictive! So this is our cross stitch starter guide If you’re after […]
Have you ever walked in to the embroidery section of hobby craft, john lewis etc and been a tad overwhelmed at the amount of kits, threads, accessories and struggle to know what to spend money on and what not to. Today I am going to walk you through the basics needed to start. this is […]
Crewel embroidery a brief history Crewel embroidery or ‘crewel work’ is very popular. A decorative form of surface embroidery, it uses wool and a variety of embroidery stitches to follow a design. The outline is applied to the fabric – traditionally a linen twill. The technique is at least a thousand years old. It was […]
The history of goldwork Gold has forever been a symbol of affluence and status. And goldwork embroidery has a long history, having travelled across Asia and through Beirut with the silk merchants. Emperors in Japan and China wore wonderful silk garments richly embroidered in gold; embroidered gold appeared on ecclesiastical vestments, church adornments (i.e. alter frontals, […]
Photography by Catherine East
Sign up for news and offers.
