How to Learn Crewel Embroidery

Crewel embroidery has been a favorite form of needlework since the sixteenth century. Crewel is embroidery on any fabric in a two-ply wool yarn called "crewel" and the yarn gives the stitches a raised look and feel. Intricate work from the English Tudor period is often seen in museums, but beginners can often find simplified copies on which to learn their craft. Here's how to get sewing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crewel embroidery kit
• Embroidery hoop
• Crewel or embroidery needles

1. Visit a local craft store or an online needlework store to purchase a beginners crewel kit. Like all needlework, crewel is best learned by doing.

2. Choose a crewel kit that comes with all the materials to complete your project. If possible, purchase a kit designated as a sampler or one rated for beginners. Samplers allow you to practice a variety of stitches.

3. Remove the contents of the crewel kit and make sure you have all the materials as listed on the bag.

4. Read the instructions that come with the kit carefully. Most crewel kits will have instructions on how to do the stitches.

5. Sort yarn by color. Most kits will have each color numbered. The project diagram will use that number to illustrate what color should be used in what area of the project.

6. Place the project fabric in the needlework hoop. Be sure that the fabric is taut so the stitches will be tight.

7. Thread a needle with the correct color yarn as indicated in the project diagram. Begin stitching in the upper left area of the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the local library, book store, craft store, or Internet book store for beginner's books about crewel. Books usually have clearer instructions on how to do the stitches rather than the kit's instruction sheet.
• Invest in a yarn sorter. Keeping each yarn color separate helps your work stay neat and helps you to easily locate the correct color yarn when needed.
• Don't be discouraged if your stitches don't look perfect the first time you try them. Carefully remove the stitches from the fabric without cutting the yarn and try again.
• Some kits have the picture painted on the cloth and you only stitch some selected areas for highlight. While this is a quick and easy way to do a project, it is better to purchase a kit where you do all the stitching to learn crewel.

Resources

• Needlework Corner