How to Select Needlework Patterns
Needlework represents a wide category of work done on fabric by hand with decorative stitches. It includes embroidery and applique as well as quilting, trapunto and needlepoint. Deciding which style suits your taste and skills is a simple matter of understanding the basics of each.
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Instructions
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Consider a cross-stitch embroidery project if you are new to hand needlework. A pattern is typically transferred to a prepared piece of canvas or heavy cloth with a printed guide on which the different colors of threads are to be used to complete the picture. This is perhaps the simplest form of needlework and very suitable for a young child's first project.
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Take the next step and try your hand at counted cross-stitch. Here you will work with a loosely woven canvas and utilize its pattern of warp and weft cross overs to count out where stitches are to be taken. A counted cross-stitch pattern generally comes with colored embroidery floss and a printed diagram of where the stitches are to be made to complete the pattern.
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Embroider a pillowcase or other useful item to try out more complex needlework stitches such as a French knot or satin stitch. Stitch dictionaries are readily found at book and hobby stores and detail how each stitch is made. You can also find heat-transfer embroidery patterns.
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Create a more three-dimensional design by taking on a quilting project. Here, layers of fabric and batting are stitched together to create a design or quilting pattern. Trapunto and corded quilting are two variations.
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Select a needlepoint pattern when you are ready to advance to the next level of needlework. These patterns typically resemble a woven fabric when completed and are often mistaken for tapestries. You can find a pattern as well as all the material needed to complete the project at your local hobby store or online.
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Select a project that is well within your abilities for your first try at needlework to avoid becoming discouraged. Any project you select will take time to complete and a good finished product is the best encouragement for the adoption of this centuries old craft.
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Tips & Warnings
Before you begin any needlework project, be sure to have all the needed materials on hand including good sharp scissors, quality embroidery floss or thread, a foundation fabric as well as a pattern and pattern marker, if needed.
