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What is hardanger embroidery?Hardanger embroidery is a simple form of whitework named after the area of Norway where it is found. This form of needlework involves counted thread stitches, drawn thread work and some pulled thread embroidery.
Is hardanger hard? No, the stitches used are simple but counting accurately is important! I'm scared of cutting the wrong thread! When I have taught hardanger embroidery at workshops this is everyone's first comment. It can be worrying taking the scissors to your work after you have put time and effort into the stitching, but by following the special red lines on my charts you will see clearly which threads to cut and which to leave well alone! If you do happen to make a mistake all is not lost there are ways of rectifying the problem. My students tell me that the most helpful thing I told them in the beginning was to remember to breathe whilst cutting the threads.. Not tried it before? Learn hardanger with my free course on this site which covers the basic techniques. If you have questions about hardanger embroidery, please use the form at the bottom of this page where you can ask anything you wish. Other visitors will be able to offer advice and answer your questions for you, and you might be able to help them in return. Don't be shy, the best way to learn anything new is to ask questions.
Threads to use in Hardanger embroideryTwo sizes of thread are used in Hardanger designs, the thicker one being used for the kloster blocks and surface stitching, while the finer thread is reserved for the needleweaving and filling stitches. Pearl cotton is ideal for this embroidery and the following table will help you choose the right size thread to use of your particular hardanger fabric.
A friend of mine offers perle 8 threads, with free worldwide shipping, from her site www.paraguaythreads.com in both single and variegated colours. It is worth watching out for her special mixed colour packs as they are a real bargain. She has kindly agreed to give you a discount of 10% if you use the code carolneedlework when you place your order.
Needles and equipment for HardangerTapestry needles are used for stitching this form of embroidery. You will need two sizes, one for each thread. Try a size 20 for the Pearl no 5, size 22 for the Pearl no 8, and a size 24 for Pearl 12.Very sharp, pointed embroidery scissors are necessary for cutting the threads cleanly, those with angled blades make life a little easier. I find that the kloster blocks and surface stitching is easier to do if the fabric is secured in an embroidery hoop. I remove it before cutting the fabric threads, however. Like me, you may also find the needleweaving easier to do "in hand" rather than with the fabric in a hoop. A small pointed pair of tweezers may also come in handy for easing out the fabric threads after they are cut. Oh and a little container, in which to pop the cut threads, can help to keep your working area neat and tidy.
Hardanger PatternsAs a hardanger design can be rather large some designers use a form of shorthand on their patterns, where each grid line represents two fabric threads, thereby reducing the graph size. However, I prefer to produce charts where each fabric thread is shown as one line on the graph, so that if the graph shows 4 threads then you count 4 threads of the fabric. It seems more straightforward and easy to follow in my opinion, but can lead to patterns being printed over a number of pages. If after stitching my learn hardanger free course you move on to another designer's patterns please keep this in mind.My hardanger patterns are available to purchase in two forms: a printed pattern that will be sent by post to your snail mail address or in a downloadable form that you print from your own computer. Whichever you choose, have fun and enjoy your hardanger embroidery.
Whether you are a beginner to Hardanger embroidery or you have been stitching it for years, this is the place to ask for help or share your knowledge. What Other Visitors Have AskedClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
how to mount hardanger as a picture
picots in hardanger embroidery
What type of fabric?
Star filler Stitch
squared edge stitching
lacey wrap stitch
Hardanger Tablecloth Pattern
Hardanger on aida cloth
Repair a mistake on hardanger
Lacy buttonhole stitch
Where can I find Hardanger fabric?
How to Fix Hardanger Cutting Mistake
miscut hardanger
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hardanger buttonhole flower
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cleaning hardanger embroidery
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Greek Cross Border
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drawn work
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number of strands--hardanger
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Cutting the wrong thread!
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hardanger stitches
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Stitch a hardanger bookmark Learn hardanger embroidery whilst stitching a bookmark with a buttonholed edge.
Beginner guide to hardanger Learn doves eyes and wrapped bars in this free hardanger design.
Hardanger Owl pattern Not all hardanger is geometric, this cute owl shows it can be pictorial as well. Easy, step-by-step instructions included.
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Traditionally used for linens, caps, and especially aprons, the work was carried out on white fabrics as fine as 50 threads to the inch using white thread, but coarser fabrics and coloured threads are often used nowadays.
