What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!

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Oct 21, 2024

Fabric size vs design size vs hoop size

I am doing a project on 8 inch fabric. The design is a 6 inch and I want to use a 4 inch hoop. Is that OK?

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Oct 21, 2024

Piecing a Crazy Quilt Block using the stitch and flip method

strawberry-crazy-quilt-block

Get creative with fabric scraps! Learn the stitch and flip technique to make a one-of-a-kind crazy quilt block. Follow my step-by-step guide.

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Sep 30, 2024

threading the needle and satin stitch

Is there an easy way to thread the needle? I use the needle threaders with the wire but after several uses the wire breaks. I also have trouble with

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Sep 27, 2024

Bargello needlepoint - Have you tried it

bargello diagram

An introduction to bargello needlepoint. How to use colour to its full effect in this lovely form of canvas work.

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Sep 21, 2024

Testimonials from visitors

blackwork chessboard C2

I love it when visitors write in with pictures of finished pieces worked from my charts. Here are a few of them...

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Sep 04, 2024

What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question

memories of a scottish holiday in slow stitch

Carol gives her answer to the question: what is slow stitching and explains how you can get started and the benefits of doing so.

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Aug 28, 2024

Hand quilting a cross stitch lap blanket

I have completed a cross stitch lap blanket. Now, do I finish it with hand quilting straight stitch right through the cross stitching? === Hi Susan,

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Aug 17, 2024

Woven picots make wonderful embroidered leaves!

lazy daisy stitch strawberry

Needle woven picots make wonderful leaves for your embroidered flowers or fruits

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Aug 14, 2024

Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide

Click to go to the calculator

New to cross stitch? Start here! Get the lowdown on this easy-to-learn craft, from basic stitches to finishing techniques. Plus, grab free patterns!

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Aug 09, 2024

Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend

tortoise

Small, simple blackwork embroidery kits and patterns by Carol Leather of X-Calibre Designs.

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Aug 09, 2024

X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather

little-owl.jpg

Learn a new needlework technique with these blackwork kits for beginners. Choose from a cute blackwork owl, a rocking horse or a rabbit

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Jul 30, 2024

Crazy Quilting Ideas and how they change as you work a block

The start of the crazy quilt block

Explore Crazy Quilting Ideas and how they evolve as you work a block. Learn how to adapt your design, replace elements, and tell a story with your project.

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Jul 30, 2024

How do you embroider letters by hand using 3 simple stitches

letters drawn on stabilizer

How do you embroider letters by hand on a crazy quilt block. The tutorial covers how to position your letters and the three stitches used.

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Jul 29, 2024

Blackwork Embroidery for Beginners: Free Patterns and Tutorials

blackwork pears

Start blackwork embroidery with a beginner-friendly guide. Download free patterns, learn essential stitches, and follow our step-by-step tutorials

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Jul 29, 2024

Cross Stitch Calculator: Pick The Best Fabric Count In Seconds

Cross stitch calculator - Get the right fabric size for your cross stitch project. Simply input your design dimensions and fabric count for instant results

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Jul 29, 2024

how to launder red work embroidery

How do I safely launder red work embroidery? I do not know if the red embroidery, which is on white pillow shams, has ever been set. There are no stains

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Jul 27, 2024

Browse my Blackwork Embroidery Patterns - Available to download

little owl cover 250

Explore my unique blackwork embroidery designs, learn the stories behind each one, and download ready to start stitching straight away.

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Jul 19, 2024

Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching

stitching on waste canvas

Take your needlework to the next level with waste canvas: Transform your clothes into one-of-a-kind statement pieces

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Jul 18, 2024

Diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves

diamond eyelet stitch

Time for diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves in our free whitework embroidery sampler. Learn pulled thread and drawn thread work!

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Jul 17, 2024

Blackwork animals to download and stitch

the-sentinal.jpg

Portraits of blackwork animals can look lifelike with careful shading. Choose from these 5 stunning designs.

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Jul 14, 2024

Embroidery Stitches: Master Embroidery with These Essential Techniques

lazy daisy stitch flowers

Easy embroidery stitches for creating beautiful embroidered flowers. Our comprehensive guide covers tips for beginners and experienced embroiderers alike.

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Jul 13, 2024

Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist

blackwork dogs full

Try a new twist on assisi embroidery, these three designs use blackwork instead of cross stitch to give a wonderful effect.

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Jul 09, 2024

Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,

redwork embroidery

An overview of the history and techniques of redwork embroidery, including its origins, the Victorian era, and the modern-day relevance.

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Jul 04, 2024

cross stitch vs embroidery: which needlework type is best for you?

cross stitch fallow deer

Choose from cross stitch or embroidery - let your creativity shine through & create beautiful items to last a lifetime! No matter which you choose, have fun

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Jul 04, 2024

From Novice to Expert: How to Learn Hand Embroidery

my first needle case

Embark on a journey of skill development | how to learn hand embroidery and unlock your creative potential

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Jul 03, 2024

Blackwork figures through the ages

pearl-plumsilver.jpg

Step back in time with these lovely blackwork figures through the ages from regency, through Edwardian into the 20th century

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Jul 02, 2024

Blackwork flower patterns to delight the stitcher

fuchsia.jpg

Blackwork flower patterns bring the outside in. These symbolic flowers have special meanings. Stitch them and share with your loved ones.

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Jul 02, 2024

Colonial knot or French knot, which is best for your project?

colonial-knots-and-french-knots

Discover the differences between Colonial and French knots in embroidery. Learn step-by-step how to create secure, rounded Colonial knots for your projects.

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Jun 30, 2024

Double or alternating stem stitch

Hi can you please show me how to turn a corner using double or alternating stem stitch. It is inside the four-sided stitch border.

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Jun 29, 2024

Gobelin Stitch: A Comprehensive Guide for Needlepoint Enthusiasts

gobelin stitch in wool

Discover the art of gobelin stitch and unleash your creativity with endless variations. Learn how to create stunning designs with stitched examples

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Jun 29, 2024

Hand embroidery for beginners - personalize with embroidered letters

door plaque

Discover the art of hand embroidery for beginners. Learn essential tips and techniques to create stunning lettering. Start your embroidery journey today!

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Jun 29, 2024

Learn the double running stitch to create reversible blackwork

backstitch diagram

Double running stitch - learn how to create neat, professional-looking blackwork embroidery outlines and fill patterns, that are identical on both sides.

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Jun 26, 2024

How to do tent stitch in needlepoint - three variations

windows stitched with tent stitch

Your guide to how to do tent stitch needlepoint - tips and diagrams for half cross, continental and basketweave needlepoint stitch techniques

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Jun 18, 2024

Hemstitch: Enhance Your Needlework with Fine Handcrafted Touches

Learn how to hemstitch your embroidered pieces with our easy-to-follow instructions and detailed step-by-step photographs.

Continue reading "Hemstitch: Enhance Your Needlework with Fine Handcrafted Touches"

Jun 17, 2024

Crazy quilt embroidery - set your creativity free

antique crazy quilt photo

Tried crazy quilt embroidery yet? Simple stitches are used to decorate this traditional needlework to stunning effect.

Continue reading "Crazy quilt embroidery - set your creativity free"

Jun 10, 2024

Crazy Quilting: A Skillful Balance of Precision and Imagination

crazy quilt block 1

Crazy Quilting: A fusion of tradition and creativity - Join the quilt-making revolution!

Continue reading "Crazy Quilting: A Skillful Balance of Precision and Imagination"

Jun 09, 2024

A Detailed Tutorial for Making a Pretty Needle Lace Heart

couching-cordonet.jpg

Learn to create a beautiful needle lace heart with this step-by-step tutorial for beginners. Master corded single Brussels stitch and double Brussels stitch

Continue reading "A Detailed Tutorial for Making a Pretty Needle Lace Heart"

Jun 09, 2024

Learn basic embroidery stitches and where to use them

Master the basic embroidery stitches, then create beautiful embellishments for your garments, home decorating items, and craft projects

Continue reading "Learn basic embroidery stitches and where to use them"

Jun 09, 2024

Feather stitch embroidery: learn this easy and attractive stitch

feather-stitch-tree.jpg

Feather stitch: a simple step by step hand embroidery tutorial with attractive variations for floral designs, coral, seaweed and more

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Jun 08, 2024

How to do a Satin Stitch Decorative Initial Over A Raised Form

raised satin stitch

Padded satin stitch - step by step tutorial to embroider a letter. Worked over a raised form and decorated with pretty flowers using simple stitches

Continue reading "How to do a Satin Stitch Decorative Initial Over A Raised Form"

Jun 07, 2024

Free hardanger pattern | A bookmark edged with buttonhole stitch

buttonhole edging

Create a bookmark with this free hardanger pattern, covering buttonhole stitch, Kloster blocks, and doves eyes. Part 3 of our free course.

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Jun 05, 2024

Bullion stitch - master those little knots once and for all!

bullion knots 04

Get creative with bullion stitch and its variations! Our detailed instructions and design ideas will inspire you to explore new embroidery techniques

Continue reading "Bullion stitch - master those little knots once and for all!"

Jun 05, 2024

Learn Split Stitch Embroidery: Techniques, Tips & Ideas

split stitch tulips

Learn the split stitch, a versatile embroidery stitch for outlining and filling areas of your design. Tips & tricks to improve your stitching skills.

Continue reading "Learn Split Stitch Embroidery: Techniques, Tips & Ideas"

Jun 05, 2024

Stitch a French knot the easy way with this step by step tutorial

french knot butterfly

The best way to stitch a French knot without getting in a tangle. These clear instructions and video will show you how its done

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Jun 05, 2024

How do you do herringbone stitch? Learn this basic embroidery stitch

completed herringbone stitch example

This herringbone stitch embroidery tutorial from Carol Leather gives step-by-step instructions with pictures along with variations to the basic stitch

Continue reading "How do you do herringbone stitch? Learn this basic embroidery stitch "

Jun 05, 2024

Learn stem stitch and variations of this basic embroidery stitch

stem stitch tutorial

This stem stitch tutorial covers the basic stitch, raised stem and portuguese knotted stem. Videos explain how to work the stitches.

Continue reading "Learn stem stitch and variations of this basic embroidery stitch"

Jun 05, 2024

Raised and flat fishbone Stitch embroidery tutorial

fishbone stitch floral

Fishbone stitch, a technique often used in embroidery to create realistic leaves, is the focus of our tutorial. We'll explore both flat and raised variations.

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May 26, 2024

Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques

A Guide to choosing fabric for counted thread embroidery. Including cross stitch fabric, evenweave fabrics and linen embroidery fabric

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May 23, 2024

Embroidery Floss 101: Starting and Stopping Techniques Simplified

embroidery floss on rack

Learn embroidery floss techniques: Discover how to separate strands, choose the right number to use, and secure your stitches.

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