An introduction to pulled thread embroidery

Want to go straight to a free pulled thread embroidery lesson? If you want to know more about the technique, read on or join me in stitching a white work sampler step by step.

Pulled work, also known as drawn fabric, is a form of whitework that does not involve cutting the fabric threads to create the lacy effect. Instead tension is used when working the stitches to draw the fabric threads together. Drawn thread embroidery, however, is where fabric threads are cut and withdrawn leaving a hole.

Unlike normal needlework, in pulled work the stitches themselves are not always meant to be seen. Instead the holes or perforations caused by the movement of the fabric threads create the pattern. For this reason the best results are obtained by using the same coloured threads and fabric. Another benefit of using the same colour thread is that any traveling stitches, taken to keep the pull on a stitch when moving to a different row, are not visible.

Because of the tension required stranded embroidery floss is not the ideal thread to use as it can break; pearl cotton or crochet cotton are more suited. If you don't have any suitable thread, you can always use the fabric itself! Just unravel threads from the edge of a spare piece of fabric (don't use the project piece or it may not be big enough when you are finished) and stitch with them. Of course the thickness of thread and the colour will match exactly!

Try to use a loosely woven embroidery fabric for pulled thread embroidery rather than a close weave. The patterns will show up better. Historical pieces were sometimes worked on 50 count fabric but it is more common to use 28-36 count nowadays.

You will find two types of needle useful for pulled thread embroidery: a tapestry needle, with a blunt point, for the pulled stitches and also a pointed embroidery needle for some of the surface stitches used to outline the pulled areas.

Working in an embroidery hoop or frame is recommended to help keep the un-stitched fabric threads lined up at right angles and clearly visible for counting. DO NOT stretch the fabric too tightly in the hoop, however.

Starting and finishing your threads needs to be done with care as stray threads can show behind the openwork areas. One way to avoid this is by using the hoop to trap the beginning of the thread so it can't accidentally be pulled out of the fabric when starting the stitching. To fasten off, release this thread later and carefully pass it through the solid areas where the threads have been pulled together on the back of the work.

A variety of stitches are used in pulled work embroidery, some with tension, some without. I will be covering a selection of pulled thread embroidery stitches on the site and we will start with Cobbler stitch and you can find more on the basic embroidery stitches page. Composite stitches are built using two or more other stitches creating very pretty patterns. It is fun to use your imagination and creativity and discover stitches that work well together.