Western culture tends to link needlework to women, but
originally it was a task performed by men who spent years mastering the
craft.
Some embroidery work is considered functional, while other work is purely
decorative. There have been changes in design and technique, which reflect the
styles and attitudes of the era. Some forms of embroidery have faded away, and then
reappeared. Almost all types of embroidery have left their mark in some way. It is
an art form that has been handed down from generation to generation.
The invention of the
first embroidery machine in 1828 made possible the mass production of embroideries.
But embroidery continues to be practiced as a handcraft, just as it was in ancient
times. Its historical uses have also prevailed, as evidenced by the wall hangings,
decorated clothing, and domestic linens and furnishings that are created today.
Crewel
Crewel, also known as wool embroidery, has been
around for centuries. The word crewel is derived from an old Welsh term meaning
“wool.” The word referred to the wool yarn used for stitching and not the style of
embroidery. Traditionally, heavy wools were used for this type of embroidery, but
today there is a wide variety of yarns and even threads to choose from, depending on
the desired effect.
Although crewel is considered the most difficult stitchery
technique to master, it is ideal for pillows, curtains, clothing, and wall hangings.
The use of tightly-woven fabrics enables stitchers to create an infinite variety of
shapes. There are a great number of stitches that can be employed in crewel
embroidery; these stitches add texture and depth to the finished piece. The outlines
of the design are often screen printed on the fabric, and the stitcher fills in, or
outlines, each area with stitches.
Needlepoint
Needlepoint was born to recreate
the look of woven tapestries. Sometime during the 16th and 17th centuries,
embroidery on canvas, or needlepoint as we know it today, began to develop.
Needlepoint was popular during colonial times, where it was used for pictures,
upholstery fabric, and fashion accessories.
Needlepoint is the technique of forming
stitches on an open-weave fabric called canvas. The canvas is constructed with
vertical and horizontal threads that are woven together to make precisely placed
holes between threads. The points at which these threads meet are called meshes.
Needlepoint designs are more durable than other types of needlecrafts, making them
well suited for chair seats, pillows, and rugs.
Most needlepoint designs are printed or
hand painted on the canvas. Each color on the canvas represents a yarn or thread
color. The stitcher covers each area on the canvas with the corresponding yarn or
thread color, using a blunt tapestry needle. Some designs, especially those with a
repeating pattern, are stitched on a blank canvas by counting from a pattern or
chart.
The most common stitch is called a “continental stitch” or “tent stitch,” and
is worked diagonally across the canvas threads. Other stitches are used to create
dimension or to add outlines and highlights.
The American Needlepoint Guild (ANG),
which started in May 1970, is an educational, non-profit organization whose main
purpose is to stimulate interest in all aspects of needlepoint. The guild encourages
the practice and appreciation of needlepoint as an art form. Thanks to their efforts
and the popularity of yarns over the past few years, there has been a resurgence in
needlepoint.
Counted Cross Stitch
Counted cross stitch is a type of embroidery that is
adaptable to either simple or intricate designs. It is a rather old form of
embroidery, although it really flourished in folk art designs where geometric and
floral patterns were used to embellish household items. Today it is one of the most
popular forms of embroidery, mainly because it is versatile and easy to
learn.
Counted cross stitch is worked on unprinted even-weave fabrics, with Aida and
linen being the most widely used. Generally using cotton embroidery floss, the
stitcher forms X’s by taking the needle and floss through the holes woven into the
fabric. A blunt tapestry needle is used so the fabric threads are not pierced. The
design is represented on a chart with symbols; each symbol corresponds to a floss
color. The stitcher counts from the chart to the fabric to place each stitch.
Outlines and highlights can be added to the design using other stitches, such as
back stitch and French knots.
Counted cross stitch enjoyed immense popularity in the 70's
and 80's. Although its popularity then waned a bit, it is making a comeback these
days. The percentage of young crafters (ages 18-25) who have picked up cross stitch
has increased dramatically in recent years
Stamped
Cross Stitch
Stamped cross stitch is similar to counted
cross stitch in that X’s are formed on the fabric to create a design. However, in
stamped cross stitch, the X’s are printed on a tightly woven fabric and the stitcher
forms the stitches by working over the printed X’s. Stamped goods have been popular
for tablecloths, linens, quilts, and pictures for years.
Some
people find that stamped cross stitch is a great way to learn cross stitch. Because
of the printed X’s on the fabric, it is not necessary to count the holes in the
fabric. The designs also tend to be a bit simpler than those for counted cross
stitch and the printed X’s on the fabric are easier to see.
In stamped cross stitch, the design
is charted with symbols that represent the floss color to use. Many stamped cross
stitch designs are enhanced with other stitches, including satin stitch, stem
stitch, back stitch, and French knots.
Current consumer participation
surveys report that crafters both young and old are heavy participants in
needlecraftsalmost half of whom have purchased needlecraft supplies during the
last twelve months. An interesting statistic shows a dramatic rise in needle
crafters are in the 18-25 age range. It’s no wonder! So many current fashion trends
use exciting needlework ideas.
Find out how easy
and rewarding it is to learn needlework, and make your garments and home decorating
projects unique and personal.
