Caterina Mezzapelle
This embroidery stitch is also known as Vandyke chain stitch. It is a line stitch and filling used on plain-and even-weave fabrics and is suitable for use with any type of embroidery thread.
You can make decorative zigzag line-an unusual outline for a shape. Work in the same way as ordinary chain stitch, but each chain loop is set at right angles to the previous one to create the zigzag line. Continue reading…
This embroidery stitch is also known as double cable stitch Zigzag. It is a simple but effective variation of ordinary cable stitch. It is a line stitch and filling used on plain-and-even-weave fabrics.
The stitches are formed in exactly the same manner as cable stitch, but each one is worked at right angles to the previous one to make a zigzag line. When used as a line stitch, zigzag cable stitch is usually worked in straight lines, as it does not follow curves well. Continue reading…
Vandyke stitch is an attractive filling stitch often used for leaf shapes. It can also be worked as a border.
Up and Down Buttonhole Stitch is similar to German knotted buttonhole stitch but with a smoother, neater finish.stitch. This is also known as Mirrored buttonhole stitch, it is useful for outlines, but can also be used as an open filling stitch when parallel rows are worked close together.
Twisted chain stitch is a simple variation of chain stitch that involves twisting the thread while making the loop. When worked in a fairly thick thread it creates a braid-like texture, as can be seen on the leaf and flower stems in the Jacobean design opposite. Continue reading…
Scroll stitch is also known as single knotted line stitch, this kind of embroidery makes attractive border. Marking a line on the fabric will help keep the stitches straight. This stitch can be used on plain-and even-weave fabrics. It makes a simple knotted line that flows around curves and follows intricate details well; it is often used to depict areas of water.
Any type of embroidery thread can be used with scroll stitch, providing that it is compatible with the weight of the ground fabric. A floss thread gives a much flatter effect than a rounded thread, such as pearl or soft cotton. It is very quick and easy to use and runs from left to right along the line. Continue reading…
Open Cretan Stitch may be used for decorative borders and edgings and appliqué. For regular stitches, use evenweave, or mark fabric with four parallel lines.
This quick and easy embroidery stitch is a variation of chain stitch. It gives a ladder-like effect, it is also known as Roman chain or square chain stitch, ladder stitch, small writing (when the stitches are narrow) and big writing (when the stitches are wide).
Open chain stitch can be worked to give either an open or closed effect, to do it you can simply adjusting the spacing between parallel lines to make a heavy outline and can couch down cards, narrow embroidery thread or ribbons. Continue reading…
This embroidery stitch is also known as centipede stitch and knotted loop stitch. This is a line stitch and it is used on plain and even weave fabrics. It has a raised, plaited centre. and it is normally used on the straight, but it will follow a curve, providing that it is gradual.
Loop stitch can also be used to fill narrow shapes by varying the lenght of the outside stitches and outlining the shape with back stitch or stem stitch for greater definition. Continue reading…
Lazy Daisy Stitch is a very simple and easy way to work the petals of tiny flowers as small daisies or forhet-me-nots. One Lazy Daisy Stitch makes each petal.
Ladder Stitch is a kind of embroidery stitch used on plain-and even weave fabrics. It has a ladder-like appearance, hence the name, and it is used as a border stitch or to fill a long, narrow shape of varying width.
This stitch should always be worked on fabric stretched in an embroidery hoop or frame to prevent it form distorting the fabric.
When the stitch is worked in a straight line, guidelines may need to be drawn on the fabric, unless the fabric threads can be counted, to keep the line straight. The rungs of the ladder can be placed close together to achive a solid effect or can be spaced apart to give the stitch a more lacy appearance.
Continue reading…
This kind of embroidery stitch is a decorative variation of the regular buttonhole stitch or blanket stitch. Knotted Buttonhole stitch has a knot at the top of the edge.
Straight Stitch is shown as single, spaced stitches worked either in a regular or irregular manner. Sometimes the stitches are of varying size. The stitches should be neither too long nor too loose.
Stem stitch is one of the most popular outlining stitches.
You can use this stitch to utline flowers or to fill an area, unshaded leaves, and arabesque, and all conventional designs.
Work Straight Stitches across the shape as shown. If desired, Chain Stitch or Running Stitch may be worked first to form a padding underneath, to give a raised effect.
Embroidery Threads
August 21, 2009
Embroidery and Needlepoint threads come in a wide range of fibers and colours, each with its own special qualities. Some can be used for lots of different types of embroidery; others are suitable for a particular purpose.
They fall into two groups:
- divisible threads
- non-divisible threads
Divisible threads can be separated or combined to make thinner or thicker threads. You can also use several lengths of some non-divisible threads together for a bulky look.
Before starting a project, cut the threads into manageable lenghts of no more than 30 – 40 cm. To keep them neat and prevent tangling, store them in a thread organizer.
Brilliant cutwork and embroidery thread is a non-divisible thread available in quite a few colors. It is often used for blackwork and monograms.
Metallic threads are available in a limited number of shades. They are effective for highlighting stitches in other threads and can also be used on their own.
Tapestry yarn is a hardwearing twisted thread which cannot be divided. Small skeirs are available in a wide tange of colors. Large skeins for background areas come in a restricted color range.
Crewel yarn is a fine. Non-divisible wool thread which is widely used for crewelwork.
Embroidery floss is made up of six strands which can be divided and recombined to give whatever thickness you require.
Danish flower thread is a fine non-divisible thread with a matte finish. It is used for counted thread embroidery particularly counted cross stitch.
Ribbon comes in many different colors, widths, and materials.
Matte embroidery cotton is o heavy twisted thread with a matte finish. It works well on fairly coarse fabric and cannot be divided.
Machine embroidery threads are available in a wide variety of colors. They may be glossy or metallic and some are space-dyed with stripes. They are non-divisible.
Silk is usually reserved for luxury fabrics such as silk. This divisible thread should be used in short lenghts only as it snogs and wears thin quickly.
Pearl cotton is a shiny twisted thread available in three weights (3.5 and 
and a range of solid and shaded colors it cannot be divided.
Persian yarn consists of three fine, loosely twisted strands which you can divide and then recombine.
