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What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!
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Jan 20, 2021
How do I follow a cross stitch chart
I’m starting cross stitch for the first time, as an 86 year old male! My design is not printed on the Aida. If you complete a line and when you transfer
Jan 20, 2021
Feather stitch and variations
Learn how to embroider feather stitch, with diagrams and video
Jan 20, 2021
Herringbone stitch
Herringbone stitch - learn how to embroider it and how to vary it for different effects
Jan 18, 2021
Chain stitch variations used for a simple fish
Simple chain stitch tutorial, showing different variations of this useful embroidery stitch
Continue reading "Chain stitch variations used for a simple fish"
Jan 17, 2021
Carol's Basic Embroidery Stitches
A guide to the basic embroidery stitches used in my free online needlework lessons. A comprehensive guide to hand embroidery stitches and how to work them.
Jan 17, 2021
Number of threads of yarn
I have a Bucilla crewel kit that has a color/symbol guide with stitch guide. under number of strands in most boxes there are numbers such as 2, 3 or 1.
Jan 16, 2021
Blanket stitch - for more than bed covers
How to do blanket stitch - instructions for working in the hand or on a hoop
Continue reading "Blanket stitch - for more than bed covers"
Jan 16, 2021
Pulled thread embroidery - an introduction
Learn about pulled thread embroidery (also known as pulled work or drawn fabric) an exciting form of whitework embroidery where the threads are pulled to form a lacy effect
Continue reading "Pulled thread embroidery - an introduction"
Jan 16, 2021
Hardanger embroidery for beginners
An introduction to hardanger embroidery, a whitework technique from Norway. Learn how to stitch it following a series of free hardanger lessons
Jan 16, 2021
Bullion stitch Master class
Your free bullion stitch master class. See how to make bullion roses, strawberries and flowers with it here
Jan 07, 2021
Learn hardanger embroidery in easy step-by-step stages
Let us help you learn hardanger embroidery step by step. Stitch our free hardanger patterns with full instructions with this series of lessons
Continue reading "Learn hardanger embroidery in easy step-by-step stages"
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork pattern library - pattern 2
Continue building your library with these step-by-step instructions for another free blackwork pattern
Jan 07, 2021
Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques
Learn how to add shading to your blackwork embroidery with this picture of pears
Continue reading "Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques"
Jan 07, 2021
Make a bookmark with a Celtic embroidery pattern
A treat for lovers of Celtic embroidery. This little free blackwork bookmark is quick and easy to make as a gift, or for yourself
Continue reading "Make a bookmark with a Celtic embroidery pattern"
Jan 07, 2021
Attaching beads to your embroidered projects
A super simple way of attaching beads to your cross stitch projects, with step by step instructions
Continue reading "Attaching beads to your embroidered projects"
Jan 07, 2021
Introduction to double running stitch
Learn double running stitch with the help of a video and diagrams
Jan 07, 2021
All about blackwork fill patterns
How to choose which stitch to use for your blackwork fill patterns. What to do at the edges of your blackwork design
Jan 07, 2021
X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather
Learn a new needlework technique with these blackwork kits for beginners. Choose from a cute blackwork owl, a rocking horse (great for a new baby) or a rabbit
Continue reading "X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather"
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend
Small, simple blackwork embroidery kits and patterns by Carol Leather of X-Calibre Designs.
Continue reading "Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend"
Jan 07, 2021
Windmill blackwork needlework designs
Blackwork needlework doesn't have to be stitched in black! These pretty blackwork windmills by Carol Leather are worked in three shades of blue
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather
Blackwork isn't just for pictures to hang on the wall, blackwork samplers can be made into gorgeous cushions/pillows as these designs show
Continue reading "Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather"
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork flower patterns to download
Blackwork flower patterns are a big favourite. These modern designs use traditional black and gold for the rose, watelilly and fuchsia, or coloured threads for the irises.
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork figures from the 20's and 30's
Step back in time with these lovely blackwork figures from the 1920's era. Pearl, Coral or Jasper would grace any wall in your home
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat
These blackwork designs feature the antics of Mischeif the cat. Available as downloadable charts
Continue reading "Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat"
Jan 07, 2021
Fantasy blackwork designs
Let your imagination free with these fantasy blackwork patterns. The blackwork mermaid uses random dyed threads in her tail to great effect
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork Christmas Designs that stitch up quickly
Simple blackwork Christmas designs to download and stitch for cards, coasters or decorations. Choose from star, bell, robin or blackwork angel patterns
Continue reading "Blackwork Christmas Designs that stitch up quickly"
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork animals to download and stitch
Portraits of blackwork animals can look lifelike with careful shading. Choose from these 4 stunning designs.
Jan 07, 2021
Assisi embroidery - with a blackwork twist
Try a new twist on assisi embroidery, these three designs use blackwork instead of cross stitch to give a wonderful effect.
Continue reading "Assisi embroidery - with a blackwork twist"
Jan 07, 2021
Blackwork fleur de lis patterns
The fleur de lis or iris flower is a traditional motif, Stitch 3 variations in blackwork embroidery
Jan 06, 2021
Blackwork and cross stitch lacemaker patterns
Blackwork and cross stitch lacemaker designs by Carol Leather, to download straight away
Continue reading "Blackwork and cross stitch lacemaker patterns"
Jan 06, 2021
Oriental blackwork ladies
Stitch these glorious oriental blackwork designs to grace your walls
Jan 06, 2021
Medieval blackwork kits and patterns
The X-Calibre range of blackwork kits includes this stunning knight and his lady, both stitched in traditional black and gold. Available to download.
Jan 05, 2021
Pattern darning is really simple but effective, learn how
Pattern darning is much more exciting than darning socks! This free pattern is used as a border around a blackwork design.
Continue reading "Pattern darning is really simple but effective, learn how"
Jan 05, 2021
Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch
This pretty free blackwork pattern helps you learn the technique of double running stitch
Continue reading "Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch"
Jan 05, 2021
Free blackwork charts? - Try this one
Looking for free blackwork charts with beginner instructions? You've found them!
Jan 05, 2021
Blackwork for Beginners Book
Blackwork for Beginners - learn this fascinating needlework technique with Carol Leather's book
Jan 05, 2021
Reversible blackwork embroidery patterns
How to stitch reversible blackwork embroidery patterns stitch by stitch.
Jan 05, 2021
How to do blackwork outlines
One of the first steps in learning how to do blackwork is the outlining. Do all blackwork designs need outlines?
Jan 05, 2021
An introduction to blackwork embroidery
Learn how to do blackwork embroidery? Find instructions, patterns and ideas for this, and lots of other types of needlework
Dec 02, 2020
how do I become a better cross stitch designer?
I have done cross stitch in the past, always enjoyed it. Recently i have a growing interested in digital design (not my background either) and someday
Continue reading "how do I become a better cross stitch designer?"
Oct 29, 2020
Working from the inside of a hoop
Have you tried working from inside your embroidery hoop?
Oct 29, 2020
uneven petals
From looking at pictures of flowers the balanced bloom was abandoned. No identical five petal flowers are intentionally made. Petal lengths vary. Straight
Oct 06, 2020
Needlework finishing techniques
Ideas on how to wash and frame needlework along with many more needlework finishing techniques including hemstitching
Apr 10, 2020
Problem with where to start
16 years ago I made my first two blackwork patterns which happened to be your designs, I realised today: 1 Blackwork stitcher, 6x4, Lacemaker with stand
Apr 10, 2020
Quilting crazy quilts
How/when do you actually quilt your blocks/top to the batting and backing? What do you use for backing? I sewed my pieces together using a fabric beneath
Feb 04, 2020
About me, needlework and this site
Join me and read, or listen, to my story about me and my love of needlework. Find out how I ended up doing something I love and earning money too
Feb 04, 2020
Learn 2 variations of Fishbone Stitch, flat and raised
Learn 2 types of Fishbone stitch to add to your range of basic embroidery stitches
Continue reading "Learn 2 variations of Fishbone Stitch, flat and raised"
Feb 04, 2020
Sewing jobs - ideas for making money from your skills
Sewing jobs - how to make your hobby pay for itself
Continue reading "Sewing jobs - ideas for making money from your skills"
Feb 04, 2020
White work sampler part 1 teaches single faggot stitch
The first part of my free white work sampler stitch-a-long
Continue reading "White work sampler part 1 teaches single faggot stitch"
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