Category: Useful Info

Thread and Fabric Vendors

Hardanger satin stitch

Hardanger is normally worked in two weights of threads. For fabric with count of 22 through 25 I use size 8 and size 5 threads. Kloster blocks are worked in the heavier, thicker size thread which would be the size … Read more

Purchasing Hardanger fabric and stretcher bars

22 count fabric

Below discussion is about embroidery fabric, specially Hardanger.  This discussion is not about clothing and quilting fabric. These are two tutorials from Leah Day where she discusses preparing 100% cotton fabric for quilting. I do not starch my fabric as … Read more

Picking up Fuzz of Threads

Masking tape

Masking tape isn’t an exciting embroidery tool but it sure comes in handy.

A caution, until you are use to the masking tape that you purchased I would suggest dabbing the masking tape about on whatever fabric you have selected … Read more

Bargello: Stitches

Bargello

Bargello is a counted needlework embroidery worked on fabric or canvas. I usually work on 18 count mono canvas using a single strand of size 5 DMC pearl or size 5 Anchor perle thread. If I want a good coverage … Read more

The Fabric for Bargello: Canvas

Winter Dusk WIP

I have always seen Bargello worked on an open evenweave fabric that is heavily sized (starched) making the canvas extremely stiff.

Below photo shows my starting my worked design that I call Entwined Pomegranates. When I began this project I … Read more

Bargello: No Knots Please

thread tails

Whether you decide to frame your worked piece or make it into a pillow, you want a smooth worked surface. To achieve that use an even and snug but not overly tight tension on your stitching thread as your work. … Read more

Scissors

Snipping edge

I own several general embroidery scissors. They are under four inches in length.  All but two of my embroidery scissors are under $10.

I would not use any of them for cutting a large piece of fabric down to the … Read more

Needle Keeper

Needle Index EGA

For organizing needles I use the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) Valley Quail Chapter Needle Index Book (purchased from their website).  

It has identification drawings of various needles (and sizes) and right across from, let’s say the tapestry needle … Read more