Crewel Embroidery - part 3

Hello dear readers,

The highlight of today's post is Stem Stitch. The small section, where the tendril twists around the stem (I am visualizing this to be a vine :)) is covered using stem stitch.  I started with a light shade along one edge and gradually worked my way up to darker shades. 

The first row is completed.

This picture shows first and second rows completed. 

A closer look at the two rows of stem stitch.

The final picture shows all three rows of the stem stitch. It also shows the center of the flower covered with Long and Short Stitch. 

If you would like to learn stem stitch, please click here

Happy embroidering :)

Sukanya

Crewel Embroidery - part 2

Hello readers,

In today's post I want to share two sections of the Crewel embroidery - Buttonhole Stitch and Block Shading

Buttonhole Stitch

An unusual choice for a filling stitch, don't you think? This was my first reaction too. 

Typically, this stitch is used as an edging stitch and well, for Buttonholes!!

But since the stitches are so close together, not much fabric is seen. And it works as a filling stitch.

Below is a close up look at the Buttonhole Stitch that I used in my project. The little knots (purls) at the bottom where the thread forms a loop gives it a visual appeal. And makes the stitch strong.

If you would like to learn this stitch, click here.

I worked the Buttonhole stitch in rows. Starting with the light shade at the top and moving to dark shades at the bottom.

This was my first section. I undid the stitches a few times until I was happy with the result.

OK. Moving on to the next section...

Block shading

Block shading is similar to Long and Short stitch. It is a filling stitch with a gradual change of shades. 

This is one of my favorite stitches! I did a long post on Long and Short Stitch a while ago. You can read about it here.

  

This was an easy section. Got it right the first time!

I worked with three different shades. 

 

 

  

 

Happy Embroidering!

Sukanya

Crewel Embroidery

Hello everyone, 

In the next few posts I would like to share my work on Crewel Embroidery. It was a fascinating project for me - working on an embroidery that is over a thousand years old and learning many new stitches along the way.

A little Introduction 

Crewel embroidery was popular in the 17th and 18th century England. The popular choice of fabric was linen, which was stretched over a frame and held in place using tacks.

The embroidery gets its name from the use of crewel wool for the stitches. This gives the embroidery a raised appearance. You can find crewel wool from suppliers online or specialty embroidery stores within your local area. Kits are another great option to try this embroidery.

Until next time, 

Happy Embroidering :) 

Sukanya