Having just picked up crewel embroidery again after nearly thirty years, I'm in need of any and all tips and tricks.
Do you use knots? If not, how are you starting and ending threads?
Do you outline a solid area to be stitched with buttonhole or something else? or just stitch to the edges with whatever stitch you're using?
Always use a hoop? Have a favorite type? How large a hoop do you like using?
Any advice at all...
Donna in Virginia
Sometimes, if it isn't possible to run your thread underneath, I make a very tiny, very tight knot. I'm not sure whether this is okay with purists, but it works for me.
This is a more complicated question. Yet again I must admit to sometimes--it mostly depends on the filling stitch and whether the edge is smooth enough to leave alone and/or whether you want a soft look or a more defined look.
I always use a hoop for crewel because I like it when the fabric is tight enough to bounce.. My favorite for crewel is an old fashioned wooden one, or occasionally q-snaps. Size is something you need to experiment with. Personally I use several sizes and change according to what stitch I'm using and whether I need tight control with both hands. I mostly use a small one, but I have no set rule
I always think it's good to experiment for yourself on a doodle cloth and find your own comfortable and perfect way so you can fully enjoy the process . I think crewel is my very favorite kind of needlecraft.
Lucille
I never use a knot. Most times you can go down into your linen away from where you want to stitch then while you work 'bury' this thread. If not, for instance if it is a trail of coral stitch, I will make two or three tiny stitches towards the place I want to start then bury the tiny stitches under the coral stitch as I go along.
I will outline an area (sometimes) for long and short with back stitch, but only if I want a raised look at the edge.
Absolutely essential to use a hoop. For crewel I use a four inch hoop, works out best, you can't get 'drum' tension with larger.
I can usually find a spot to use a couple of backstitches, then bury the ends later. If I can't, I use a waste knot and bury the ends later. This assumes that the crewel won't be used for such hard-wearing purposes as a seat cushion, in which case I'll probably use a small knot.
Depends on the effect I want. If I want something with a sharp edge, I usually use stem or outline or backstitch. If I want something padded, I usually pad with chain stitch.
Little stuff I work in hand. Bigger stuff I use an embroidery hoop or artists' stretchers.
I'll take the fifth on this one ;-)
Even if a design calls for an outline, unless I think it needs it, I don't do one. IMHO (in my humble opinion), outlines sometimes give a cartoonish effect.
To start, take a small stitch somewhere away from the edge of the area. This way, you won't have a tail that could show through if you forget to snip or tuck it in.
If there are accent lines in a shape, stitch them first before filling in the shape. This way, you won't inadvertently cover them with fill (been there, done that )
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