How to Embroider Hardanger
Hardanger is a needlework technique that uses counted embroidery stitches and cutwork. It is typically stitched with white thread on white fabric that has an evenly spaced weave, such as linen. The stitching is easy to do and creates a delicate lace-like pattern on items such as pillowcases, tablecloths or a piece of clothing.
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Things You'll Need
- Hardanger embroidery pattern
- Embroidery frame
- Tapestry needle
- Embroidery thread
- White linen or hardanger fabric
Instructions
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Satin Stitching
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1
Place the white linen or hardanger fabric in the embroidery hoop and thread the needle with the embroidery thread.
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2
Start stitching the in the middle of the fabric. Pull the needle through and leave a tail at the back of the fabric. Hold onto the tail when stitching, so that it does not pull through.
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3
Use the satin stitch to cover four fabric threads with the one satin stitch. Complete a block of five satin stitches. This is called a kloster block.
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4
Complete another set of five satin stitches. For this block, position the beginning of the first stitch in the opposite direction of the last stitch in the last block. This will form an 'L.' Continue in the same direction until the five stitches are completed.
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5
Repeat the block of five satin stitches until the pattern is complete and meets the first block of five satin stitches.
Cutting
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6
The hardanger pattern will tell you what threads on the fabric to cut. Typically, the threads that will be cut, run across the ends of the satin stitches.
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7
Cut close to the stitching and do not cut parallel to the satin stitch.
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8
Remove all of the loose threads.
Weaving
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9
Wrap the left over fabric threads with embroidery thread by weaving in and out of the left over fabric threads. Pass the needle over the two threads, then under the remaining two.
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10
Turn the needle around and pass over the two threads that the needle just went under.
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11
Repeat steps one and two until three and one half of the left over fabric thread bars are covered with the embroidery thread. Count how many weaving stitches it took to cover the fabric threads. Use this number of weaving stitches to cover the remaining thread bars.
Using Webs
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12
Use webs or square filets to complete the openings where the fabric threads were cut. After weaving three and one half bars, take the needle and thread through the middle of the adjacent bar and pull the needle through.
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13
Thread the needle under the thread that was just pulled through and then thread the needle through the middle of the next adjacent bar.
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14
Complete webs steps one and two until the needle is at the beginning of the web. This will leave a web-like finish in the openings where the fabric was cut.
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15
There will be one half bar that needs to be weaved the rest of the way. Complete this step and the pattern will be complete
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1
Tips & Warnings
Beginners should choose a simple pattern and use contrasting embroidery thread, so that the stitches are easier to see.
When you are finished with the stitches in the pattern, you can frame your piece as you would any other embroidery or cross stitch project.
