| The history of cross stitch |
[Jan. 6th, 2009|01:33 pm] |
Cross stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and can be found all over the world.[1] Many folk museums show examples of clothing decorated with cross-stitch, especially from continental Europe and Asia.
Two-dimensional (unshaded) cross-stitch in floral and geometric patterns, usually worked in black and red cotton floss on linen, is characteristic of folk embroidery in Eastern and Central Europe.[2]
In the United States, the earliest known cross-stitch sampler is currently housed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth, Massachusetts.[3] The sampler was created by Loara Standish, the daughter of Captain Myles Standish, circa 1653.
Multicoloured, shaded, painting-like patterns as we know them today are a recent development, deriving from similar shaded patterns of Berlin wool work of the mid-nineteenth century.
Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to embellish items like dishcloths, household linens, and doilies (only a small portion of which would actually be embroidered, such as a border). Although there are many cross-stitchers who still employ it in this fashion, especially in Europe, it is now increasingly popular to simply embroider plain pieces of canvas and hang them on the wall for decoration.
There are many cross-stitching "guilds" across the United States and Europe which offer classes, collaborate on large projects, stitch for charity, and provide other ways for local cross-stitchers to get to know one another.
Today cotton floss is the most common embroidery thread. It is a thread made of mercerized cotton, composed of six strands that are only loosely twisted together and easily separable. Other materials used are pearl cotton, Danish flower thread, silk and Rayon. Sometimes different wool threads, metallic threads or other specialty threads are used, sometimes for the whole work, sometimes for accents and embellishments.
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| How to Choose Embroidery Fabric for cross stitch |
[Jan. 6th, 2009|01:36 pm] |
There are many embroidery fabrics to choose from. The type of fabric that you need for embroidery cross stitch will depend on the type of embroidery you are undertaking. The following guide has some features to look for when seeking fabric for your next embroidery cross stitch.
STEPS:
A. Consider the weight of your cross stitch project. The things to look for here include:
a. The weight of your cross stitch project. The fabric must be able to support the overall weight of your project. Obviously a design featuring a basket of ribbon embroidered flowers will be heavier than simple cross stitch design. If items such as buttons, bows, beading or other extraneous elements are to be added, you will need strong fabric that can hold its shape well.
b. The weight of the thread (cotton, yarn, silk, ribbon etc.). The fabric must be able to support the type of thread you are using and the fabric should not permit the thread to show through to the front of your project. The weave of the fabric must be able to withstand the pressure of the thread's width passing through it (see step 3).
c. The type of stitching. For example, are you making simple stitches or elaborate ribbon flowers? The type of stitch will also impact on the type of fabric. More elaborate stitching, such as ribbon flowers, will need a heavier fabric backing to support the weight of the finished cross stitch.
B. Determine the finish of your cross stitch project that you prefer. How do you want the project to present when completed?:
a. Matt finish: a dull, unreflective surface, great for a busy embroidery piece; or
b. Shiny finish: more polished, creates greater contrast between your project and the background.
C. Check the strength and durability of the weave. The weave of the fabric must be strong enough to hold the threads in place and not too overwhelming for the threads:
a. Looser weaves will be less able to hold the threads but will be ideal for larger threads. Cotton, Aida, wool and linen are close weaves that are suitable for embroidery with thread or ribbon.
b. Some fabrics will "drown" a thread if they are have too high a plush. Contrast the weight of the thread with the plushness of the fabric to ensure that this is avoided before commencing a project. There is nothing more disheartening than having to unpick hours of work!
c. Use richer fabrics such as velvet for heavier threads. Such fabric is ideal for ribbon work
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