Types of Embroidery

Embroidery is an old craft, with examples having been found that date as far back as 500 B.C. In 2009, it is still a popular needlecraft, with a multitude of varieties ranging from simple one-stitch types to advanced types that employ an assortment of stitches and materials.

Cross-Stitch

Cross-stitch is the most well-known type of embroidery. There are two types of cross-stitch, counted cross-stitch, which does not have the design printed on the fabric and requires you to count stitches, and printed cross-stitch, which allows you to just follow the pattern on the material instead of counting stitches.

Crewel

Crewel embroidery employs a wide variety of stitches, including the French knot, straight stitch, backstitch, seed stitch, blanket stitch and feather stitch. Pictures are created by combining flat and raised and thick and thin stitches.

Needlepoint

Needlepoint is done in the Continental or half cross-stitch and is worked on canvas rather than fabric. The canvas comes in different mesh sizes. The smallest mesh is called petite point; the largest is called quick point.

Delft

Delft embroidery originated in Holland and is done in one color only. You can often find pillowcases that are good examples of Delft embroidery. It is also used on decorative kitchen towels, usually with a Dutch theme such as a windmill.

French Embroidery

French embroidery is used in monogram work. It is done in a single color, and the stitches are raised by placing them close together, running them in the same direction and keeping an even tension.

Resources

• Crewel Embroidery Stitches