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Tapestry (mostly referred to in the US as Needlepoint) is a form of canvas work. Normally worked in tent stitch (similar to half cross stitch) - the canvas will usually be printed with a colour image of the design but sometimes the design can be followed from a chart. Stitchers use different coloured wools or thread to cover each area with the corresponding colour on the canvas or chart. The types of stitching and threads used on the canvas make it more durable than surface embroidery or cross stitch. Finished works may be made into cushions or upholstery or may be displayed on the wall, framed or unframed.
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Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and can be found all over the world. It is a popular form of counted-thread embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Cross-stitch is usually executed on easily countable fabric known as Aida or Evenweave. The stitcher counts the threads in each direction so that the stitches are of uniform size and appearance. This form of cross-stitch is also known as counted cross-stitch. Sometimes cross-stitch is stitched on a printed fabric where the stitcher simply stitches over the printed design but most kits include a detailed black and white or colour chart with small symbols in each square and a key for you to follow.
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Stumpwork is a style of embroidery where the stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect. Stitches can be worked around pieces of wire to create individual forms such as leaves, insect wings or flower petals. This form is then applied to the main body of work by piercing the background fabric with the wires and securing tightly. Other shapes can be created using padding under the stitches, usually in the form of felt layers sewn one upon the other in increasingly smaller sizes. The felt is then covered with a layer of embroidery stitches.
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Crewel Embroidery, or Crewelwork, is a decorative form of surface embroidery using wool and a variety of different embroidery stitches to follow a design outline applied to the fabric. The technique is at least a thousand years old. It was used in the Bayeux Tapestry, in Jacobean embroidery and in the Quaker tapestry. *See diagrams of embroidery stitches*.
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A Biscornu is a small, 8-sided, stuffed ornamental pincushion, usually made out of Aida cloth or linen. Embroidery or cross-stitch is used to decorate the top and bottom of the cushion. A button is typically secured in the centre of the cushion to give a small depression on the top. Beads, tassels and other objects can decorate the biscornu. They are typically able to fit in the palm of yor hand. The name is derived from the French adjective, meaning skewed, quirky or irregular.
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Blackwork Embroidery kits are stitched with a small selection of coloured threads, mainly black cotton, on plain white or cream aida fabric - the designs are normally followed from a chart. The stitches used are worked in different directions to form various repeat patterns and designs.
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Petit Point stitching kits are highly detailed designs usually stitched on fine canvas (25 holes per inch) and worked using half cross stitch. The kits are normally followed from a chart and are recommended for experienced stitchers only due to the high stitch count.
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Bargello/Textured Stitching is normally stitched using wool on tapestry canvas and can use a variety of different stitches. Standard Bargello is traditionally stitched 'vertically' in various lengths rather than the normal 'diagonal' tapestry stitch - this can produce modern geometric designs. Textured stitch kits can use lot's of different techniques and the outline of the design is often included on the canvas so it is easier to follow. The results give an unusual textured 3D effect |
Helpful advice for beginners
We try and be detailed in our descriptions but we may sometimes use terms that beginners to stitching may not be familiar with. The most frequent queries we receive relate to the information below so hopefully this will help.
Common Stitching terms explained:
Aida - usual type of fabric used in our cross stitch kits
14 count, 10 count etc' - This is the number of stitches used per inch of fabric
14hpi, 10hpi etc. - as above - hpi stands for 'holes per inch'.
Canvas - Material generally used for Tapestry designs - usually printed in full colour.
Evenweave or Aida ? - Some brands (such as Heritage Crafts) offer a choice of stitching using 14 count aida or 28 count evenweave fabric. Although 28 count evenweave has more holes per inch it is stitched 'over 2 threads' so the design is the same size once stitched as if on 14 count aida. Most people start off stitching on aida as the holes are clearer to see, with evenweave you need to count the threads so it is slightly more difficult. However as the holes are less defined the resulting work can have a better effect, especially if there is alot of the design left unstitched. Evenweave is also often softer than Aida.
Different makes of cotton threads
Our cross stitch kits are usually stitched with cotton threads, these may be referred to as their brand names such as:
Anchor, DMC, Madeira etc. They all generally produce the same result. Occasionally we may refer to 'metallic' threads, these are used to add sparkle to a design and can be difficult to master so best for experienced stitchers.
Different makes of wool
Our tapestry kits are generally stitched using wool on canvas to give thicker coverage which is why tapestry designs are suitable to be made into upholstery items such as cushions and seat pads. As above, we may refer to wool brand names such as Appleton's, Brigantia, DMC and Anchor.
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