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What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!
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Nov 26, 2021
The History of Embroidery - Part 1 - Anglo Saxon to the Middle Ages
Part 1 of this history of embroidery covers Anglo Saxon times, through the Norman Conquest and the Bayeux Tapestry to the Medieval period
Continue reading "The History of Embroidery - Part 1 - Anglo Saxon to the Middle Ages"
Nov 24, 2021
Free hardanger patterns - Christmas card
Included in our free hardanger patterns is this sweet Christmas card. Simple to stitch with no cutting, you will have it finished in no time
Nov 23, 2021
Hardanger Instructions lesson 4 - spiders web and 4-sided stitch
Part 4 of my hardanger instructions series. Learn four sided stitch and spiders web filling in addition to fancy kloster blocks and needleweaving
Continue reading "Hardanger Instructions lesson 4 - spiders web and 4-sided stitch"
Nov 23, 2021
Embroidery floss - your questions answered - how to stitch with floss
Tips for how to use embroidery floss, including separating strands, how many strands to stitch with, starting and finishing off
Continue reading "Embroidery floss - your questions answered - how to stitch with floss "
Nov 22, 2021
Downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather X-Calibre Designs
Choose from these categories of downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather and get stitching right away
Continue reading "Downloadable cross stitch patterns by Carol Leather X-Calibre Designs"
Nov 21, 2021
Blanket stitch tutorial - how to turn corners and join a new thread
How to do blanket stitch - learn all about this versatile embroidery stitch and what you can do with it from floral sprays to crisp whitework
Continue reading "Blanket stitch tutorial - how to turn corners and join a new thread"
Nov 21, 2021
Using rayon embroidery thread
Rayon embroidery thread can add shine to your work. Some tips for using rayon fibres in your stitching
Nov 21, 2021
Framing cross stitch and blackwork
Illustrated step by step instructions for stretching and framing cross stitch and blackwork projects. Learn how to frame needlework the easy way
Nov 21, 2021
Hand embroidery for beginners - stitching letters or names
The first step in our hand embroidery for beginners course, learn how to embroider names and letters, using a variety of embroidery stitches
Continue reading "Hand embroidery for beginners - stitching letters or names"
Nov 21, 2021
Learn stem stitch and variations of this basic embroidery stitch
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"
Nov 21, 2021
Lazy daisy stitch strawberry - hand embroidery with a difference
Stitch a cute little strawberry using lazy daisy stitch (or detached chain stitch) in an unexpected way to create a raised effect to your embroidery
Continue reading "Lazy daisy stitch strawberry - hand embroidery with a difference"
Nov 21, 2021
Needle felting tutorial - learn how to make the basic shapes
This beginners needle felting tutorial explains how to create the basic 3D shapes out of wool such as ball, egg and cylinder for use in your sculptures
Continue reading "Needle felting tutorial - learn how to make the basic shapes"
Nov 21, 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"
Nov 21, 2021
Attractive basic embroidery stitches everyone should know how to work
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.
Continue reading "Attractive basic embroidery stitches everyone should know how to work"
Nov 21, 2021
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 21, 2021
Master chain stitch embroidery today!
Master chain stitch embroidery today and have lots of variations to play with.
Nov 21, 2021
Hardanger embroidery information for beginners to this technique
Hardanger embroidery - An introduction to this whitework technique from Norway. Learn how to stitch it following a series of free hardanger lessons
Continue reading "Hardanger embroidery information for beginners to this technique"
Nov 21, 2021
How do you do herringbone stitch? Learn this basic embroidery stitch
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 "
Nov 21, 2021
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"
Nov 20, 2021
Chevron stitch embroidery tutorial with step by step photos
Learn the correct way to work chevron stitch embroidery and discover interesting new ways to use it in your next needlework project
Continue reading "Chevron stitch embroidery tutorial with step by step photos "
Nov 20, 2021
Vintage embroidery photos
Photos of vintage embroidery projects, kindly sent in by Averi of her mother's work.
Nov 20, 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"
Nov 20, 2021
Pattern darning is simple - this free tutorial will teach you how
Pattern darning is much more exciting than darning socks! This free tutorial shows how to use it as a border around a blackwork design.
Continue reading "Pattern darning is simple - this free tutorial will teach you how"
Nov 20, 2021
Oriental blackwork ladies to grace the walls of your home or office
Stitch these beautiful oriental blackwork ladies, embellished with metallic thread and seed beads to add some feminine grace to your home
Continue reading "Oriental blackwork ladies to grace the walls of your home or office"
Nov 20, 2021
An introduction to blackwork embroidery by Carol Leather
Learn how to do blackwork embroidery with Carol Leather. Find instructions, patterns and ideas for this, and lots of other types of needlework
Continue reading "An introduction to blackwork embroidery by Carol Leather"
Nov 19, 2021
Embroidery stitches for small flowers
Simple embroidery stitches for small flowers - ideas and videos showing how to stitch them
Nov 18, 2021
An introduction to Stumpwork Embroidery and the techniques involved
Learn Stumpwork Embroidery techniques including padding with felt, raised embroidery stitches, adding slips and creating wired needlework petals
Continue reading "An introduction to Stumpwork Embroidery and the techniques involved"
Nov 18, 2021
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
Continue reading "Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques"
Nov 17, 2021
Bargello needlepoint
An introduction to bargello needlepoint. How to use colour to its full effect in this lovely form of canvas work.
Nov 17, 2021
Using fractional stitches in your cross stitch designs
Learn how and where to use fractional stitches in your cross stitch. Half cross stitch, 3/4 stitch and 1/4 stitch can all help to add detail to a design
Continue reading "Using fractional stitches in your cross stitch designs"
Nov 17, 2021
Free Bargello design - learn this needlepoint technique
This free bargello design Christmas bell is quick and easy to stitch and introduces you to the techniques of bargello also known as florentine embroidery
Continue reading "Free Bargello design - learn this needlepoint technique "
Nov 15, 2021
Why you need magnifying lamps for embroidery and other needlework
The benefit of using magnifying lamps to avoid eye strain when doing embroidery or other crafts in the evening
Continue reading "Why you need magnifying lamps for embroidery and other needlework"
Nov 15, 2021
Vicki’s Needlepoint stocking
Someone has already started the needlepoint kit that I bought. However, they didn’t follow the instructions. It is on a blank mesh canvas. Instead of
Nov 13, 2021
Whitework embroidery an introduction to the different techniques
Whitework embroidery includes many different techniques - reticella, richelieu, cutwork, broderie anglaise, schwalm, hedebo, needlelace and hardanger
Continue reading "Whitework embroidery an introduction to the different techniques"
Nov 13, 2021
Teaching needlework to children is fun!
What better way of passing on your passion than by teaching needlework to children. Read my story of teaching kids to stitch at primary school
Nov 13, 2021
flatten and block antique needlepoint lace
How do I flatten and block a piece of needlepoint lace with a lot of floral inserts etc? Thanks, Christine Zachary, Portland, Oregon Carol says... I
Continue reading "flatten and block antique needlepoint lace"
Nov 13, 2021
Legendary dragon cross stitch patterns for you to stitch
Dragon cross stitch. Download now and start stitching these dramatic dragon cross stitch pieces to add the perfect finishing touch to your wall.
Continue reading "Legendary dragon cross stitch patterns for you to stitch"
Nov 12, 2021
Need help with Hardanger pattern instructions please
I purchased a pattern for three angel ornaments. Permin 01-2632 The instructions are not very clear. There are 4 different kinds of lines on the pattern
Continue reading "Need help with Hardanger pattern instructions please"
Nov 11, 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"
Nov 08, 2021
Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques using this pear design
Learn how to add shading to your blackwork embroidery using two different techniques, while stitching this picture depicting a pair of pears
Continue reading "Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques using this pear design"
Nov 08, 2021
Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics
Time to try counted cross stitch on linen or evenweave fabrics? Learn about the advantages over Aida and how to determine the finished project size.
Continue reading "Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics"
Nov 07, 2021
Pulled thread embroidery - all about this whitework technique
Learn about pulled thread embroidery, an exciting form of whitework embroidery where the threads are pulled to form a pretty lacy effect
Continue reading "Pulled thread embroidery - all about this whitework technique"
Nov 07, 2021
Embroidery hoops - all you ever wanted to know!
Are embroidery hoops essential? How do you use them and which are the best - metal or wooden embroidery hoops? Read on to find out...
Continue reading "Embroidery hoops - all you ever wanted to know!"
Nov 03, 2021
Cover cloth for finished embroidery pillow cases
I have finished an embroidered pillow case. Isn’t there a cloth to iron on to cover the threads?
Continue reading "Cover cloth for finished embroidery pillow cases"
Oct 08, 2021
Blackwork animals to download and stitch
Portraits of blackwork animals can look lifelike with careful shading. Choose from these 4 stunning designs.
Oct 04, 2021
Needlepoint patterns - Textures to dye for
Needlepoint patterns that use textured needlepoint stitches and over-dyed threads make up the Textures to Dye for range
Continue reading "Needlepoint patterns - Textures to dye for"
Oct 04, 2021
A selection of hardanger patterns from Carol Leather
Traditional and modern hardanger patterns that you can download straight to your computer.
Continue reading "A selection of hardanger patterns from Carol Leather"
Oct 04, 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
Oct 04, 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"
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