What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!
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Jan 14, 2020
Needles
I am stitching on 18 count Aida and using 4/5 strands of floss for half cross using #26 needle, is there a better choice. This is a kit and needles keep
Jan 06, 2020
How to embroider by hand
Let me help you learn how to embroider, with step by steps and free designs to start you off.
Dec 28, 2019
What hand embroidery supplies do you need to get started?
What basic hand embroidery supplies do you need? I recommend the following - embroidery scissors, embroidery hoops, frames, stands, lights and magnifiers
Continue reading "What hand embroidery supplies do you need to get started?"
Dec 28, 2019
Washing cross stitch projects
Tips and techniques for washing cross stitch, blackwork and hardanger needlework projects before framing
Dec 28, 2019
Learn stem stitch and variations
This stem stitch tutorial covers the basic stitch, raised stem and portuguese knotted stem. Videos explain how to work the stitches.
Dec 17, 2019
Backing of cross stitched baby blanket
I just finished cross stitching a stamped baby quilt for my first grand child and would like to sew a flannel backing onto it to cover up the threads on
Dec 10, 2019
Split decision? Choose how to work split stitch in your embroidery
Learn how to use Split stitch in multiple ways in your embroidery projects
Continue reading "Split decision? Choose how to work split stitch in your embroidery"
Dec 10, 2019
Learn hand embroidery stitches with Carol
Learn hand embroidery stitches that can be used to fill areas of a design
Continue reading "Learn hand embroidery stitches with Carol"
Dec 10, 2019
Embroidery stitches for small flowers
Simple embroidery stitches for small flowers - ideas and videos showing how to stitch them
Dec 10, 2019
Choosing hand embroidery stitches for lines
Struggling to chose hand embroidery stitches for the lines in a design? Here are some ideas for you
Continue reading "Choosing hand embroidery stitches for lines"
Dec 10, 2019
Hand embroidery for beginners - stitch a name
The first step in our hand embroidery for beginners course, learn how to embroider names and letters
Continue reading "Hand embroidery for beginners - stitch a name"
Dec 08, 2019
An introduction to Stumpwork Embroidery
An introduction to Stumpwork Embroidery techniques with links to tutorials to get you started.
Dec 03, 2019
Colonial knot or French knot?
Learn the difference between a Colonial Knot and a French Knot stitch in embroidery
Dec 02, 2019
Crazy quilt embroidery - unleash your creativity
Have you tried crazy quilt embroidery yet? Simple stitches are used to decorate this traditional needlework to stunning effect. Learn how to piece and embellish your own projects
Continue reading "Crazy quilt embroidery - unleash your creativity"
Dec 02, 2019
Bullion stitch Master class
Your free bullion stitch master class. See how to make bullion roses, strawberries and flowers with it here
Dec 02, 2019
Stitch a French knot the easy way
The best way to stitch a French knot without getting in a tangle. Clear instructions and video will show you how.
Dec 02, 2019
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.
Dec 02, 2019
Thread painting (long and short stitch)
Follow along with this thread painting tutorial, and learn how to use long and short stitch to shade an embroidered flower
Dec 01, 2019
An introduction to Needlepoint
Needlepoint or canvaswork is a popular craft. Learn more about it, what it is and how to do it
Nov 30, 2019
Lazy daisy stitch strawberry
Stitch a cute little strawberry using lazy daisy stitch (or detached chain stitch). This one has pride of place on my summer strawberries crazy quilt block
Nov 30, 2019
How to needlepoint - velvet stitch
Learn how to needlepoint with this needlepoint stitch guide to velvet stitch. Great for creating a fur-like texture for animals or can be used for needlepoint rugs
Nov 30, 2019
Vintage embroidery photos
Photos of vintage embroidery projects, kindly sent in by Averi of her mother's work.
Nov 30, 2019
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"
Nov 30, 2019
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"
Nov 30, 2019
Testimonials from visitors
I love it when visitors write in with pictures of finished pieces worked from my charts. Here are a few of them...
Nov 30, 2019
Downloadable Blackwork Embroidery Patterns by Carol Leather
Blackwork embroidery patterns by Carol Leather to download and stitch.
Continue reading "Downloadable Blackwork Embroidery Patterns by Carol Leather"
Nov 28, 2019
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"
Nov 28, 2019
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"
Nov 28, 2019
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"
Nov 28, 2019
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.
Nov 28, 2019
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
Nov 28, 2019
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
Nov 28, 2019
Blackwork animals to download and stitch
Portraits of blackwork animals can look lifelike with careful shading. Choose from these 4 stunning designs.
Nov 28, 2019
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"
Nov 28, 2019
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"
Nov 28, 2019
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.
Nov 26, 2019
Cat family tree
Hi, I have cross stitched for many years but I have always used kits and have never designed anything. I have promised to give my sons and all nieces and
Nov 25, 2019
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
Nov 25, 2019
4 sided stitch - learn how to work this simple pulled thread stitch
4 sided stitch, worked diagonally, completes the last band of our whitework sampler
Continue reading "4 sided stitch - learn how to work this simple pulled thread stitch "
Nov 24, 2019
Cross stitch is simple and fun
Find the answers to your cross stitch questions while learning all there is to know about this counted needlework technique.
Nov 24, 2019
A free hardanger pattern for a bookmark
This free hardanger pattern explains how to edge your work with buttonhole stitch. Create a hardanger bookmark with step by step instructions
Nov 24, 2019
A beginner guide to hardanger embroidery
Part 2 of the free beginner guide to hardanger embroidery. Learn fancy kloster blocks, wrapped bars and doves eyes.
Nov 24, 2019
Hardanger needlework course- lesson one
Start your hardanger needlework course here. Learn hardanger over a series of step by step lessons using my free patterns
Nov 23, 2019
Downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather
Choose from these downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather and get stitching right away
Continue reading "Downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather"
Nov 22, 2019
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
Nov 22, 2019
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
Nov 22, 2019
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"
Nov 22, 2019
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"
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