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

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Sep 18, 2023

Cross stitch calculator - changing fabric count changes project size

Using this handy cross stitch calculator will determine the finished design size of your pattern if you change to a different fabric count

Continue reading "Cross stitch calculator - changing fabric count changes project size"

Sep 15, 2023

An introduction to blackwork embroidery by Carol Leather

blackwork pears

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"

Sep 15, 2023

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"

Sep 15, 2023

Hardanger embroidery information for beginners to this technique

hardanger patterns 01 - mat

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"

Sep 09, 2023

Explore Blackwork Embroidery Patterns with Rich Stories

little owl cover 250

Explore my blackwork designs, where intricate patterns and rich stories intertwine. Discover the inspiration, process, and unique features behind each design

Continue reading "Explore Blackwork Embroidery Patterns with Rich Stories"

Aug 28, 2023

Hand embroidery for beginners - how to embroider 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!

Continue reading "Hand embroidery for beginners - how to embroider letters"

Aug 25, 2023

Needlepoint: An introduction to the traditional craft

free poppy needlepoint pattern

Explore the timeless art of needlepoint with our beginner's guide. From materials to techniques, we'll help you get started on your stitching journey.

Continue reading "Needlepoint: An introduction to the traditional craft"

Aug 21, 2023

How to use waste canvas for cross stitch

stitching on waste canvas

How to use waste canvas to cross stitch on your clothes and other items. Full instructions

Continue reading "How to use waste canvas for cross stitch"

Aug 21, 2023

Couching Stitch Demystified: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

couching threads

Learn how to master couching stitch embroidery and add a new level of texture to your projects. Our guide has all the tips and tricks you need.

Continue reading "Couching Stitch Demystified: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results"

Aug 18, 2023

Embroidery Floss 101: A Beginner's Guide

embroidery floss on rack

Discover expert tips for using embroidery floss, from separating strands to starting and finishing off. Learn how many strands to stitch with for perfect results

Continue reading "Embroidery Floss 101: A Beginner's Guide"

Aug 13, 2023

Needle Felting Tutorial: Learn to create Woollen Masterpieces

raw sheeps wool

Learn the art of needle felting with our step-by-step tutorial. Create beautiful felted creations with expert guidance and tips. Start needle felting today!

Continue reading "Needle Felting Tutorial: Learn to create Woollen Masterpieces"

Aug 12, 2023

How to Thread a Needle: Easy Tips and Techniques for Sewing Success

embroidery needle sizes

Learn how to thread a needle effortlessly with helpful needle threaders. Find easy tips and techniques to make stitching a breeze.

Continue reading "How to Thread a Needle: Easy Tips and Techniques for Sewing Success"

Aug 04, 2023

How to embroider by hand

french knot embroidery stitches

Let me help you learn how to embroider, with step by steps and free designs to start you off.

Continue reading "How to embroider by hand"

Aug 03, 2023

Chain Stitch: Unlocking the Art of Hand Embroidery

twisted-chain-stitch-02.png

Simple chain stitch tutorial, showing different variations of this useful embroidery stitch with full instructions for a little fish design

Continue reading "Chain Stitch: Unlocking the Art of Hand Embroidery"

Aug 03, 2023

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.

Continue reading "Embroidery Stitches: Master Embroidery with These Essential Techniques"

Aug 02, 2023

Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project

hope needlepoint pattern

Needlepoint patterns that use textured needlepoint stitches and over-dyed threads make up the Textures to Dye for range

Continue reading "Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project"

Aug 02, 2023

Handmade Greetings Cards: Personalized Designs for Every Occasion

cross stitch cat card

Create your own handmade greetings cards by combining cross stitch and papercrafts

Continue reading "Handmade Greetings Cards: Personalized Designs for Every Occasion"

Aug 02, 2023

Hemstitch: Elevate Your Style with Exquisite Handcrafted Details

Learn how to hemstitch your piece of needlework with these clear instructions and step by step photographs

Continue reading "Hemstitch: Elevate Your Style with Exquisite Handcrafted Details"

Aug 02, 2023

Hanging a Quilt: Tips and Tricks for Displaying Your Beautiful Quilt

quilts in basket

Ideas and tips for displaying and hanging a quilt in your home

Continue reading "Hanging a Quilt: Tips and Tricks for Displaying Your Beautiful Quilt"

Aug 02, 2023

Leaf Stitch: A Guide to Creating Beautiful and Unique Patterns

leaf stitch

Leaf Stitch is a fancy needlepoint stitch ideal for larger areas. Try out these variations in your next project.

Continue reading "Leaf Stitch: A Guide to Creating Beautiful and Unique Patterns"

Aug 02, 2023

Gobelin Stitch: Master the Art of Needlepoint with Expert Techniques

alternating gobelin stitch 01

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

Continue reading "Gobelin Stitch: Master the Art of Needlepoint with Expert Techniques"

Aug 02, 2023

Iron On Transfers: Create Designs with Easy Application

old iron on transfers

Having trouble finding iron on transfers for hand embroidery? Here are some alternative ways to get your pattern onto your fabric

Continue reading "Iron On Transfers: Create Designs with Easy Application"

Aug 02, 2023

Needle Felted Crafts: Create Stunning Wool Creations

finished needle felted bunny

Needle felted bunny tutorial for beginners to the craft: create a cute bunny from simple shapes. Free tutorial.

Continue reading "Needle Felted Crafts: Create Stunning Wool Creations"

Aug 02, 2023

Needlelace: Master the Art of Intricate Lacework | Your Ultimate Guide

buttonholing-petal.jpg

Try this free needlelace daffodil project from Carol

Continue reading "Needlelace: Master the Art of Intricate Lacework | Your Ultimate Guide"

Aug 01, 2023

The History of Needlelace: A Fascinating Journey Through Time

youghal lace collar

A wonderful illustrated article submitted by Liz Bartlett on the types and history of needlelace (also known as needlepoint lace)

Continue reading "The History of Needlelace: A Fascinating Journey Through Time"

Aug 01, 2023

Stumpwork Embroidery: A Brief History of this Intricate Craft

stumpwork reindeer

Learn Stumpwork Embroidery techniques including padding with felt, raised embroidery stitches, adding slips and creating wired needlework petals

Continue reading "Stumpwork Embroidery: A Brief History of this Intricate Craft"

Aug 01, 2023

Embroidery thread conversion chart - DMC to Anchor floss

Download an embroidery thread conversion chart for DMC to Anchor embroidery floss. Tips for substituting different brands of thread in a design

Continue reading "Embroidery thread conversion chart - DMC to Anchor floss"

Aug 01, 2023

Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics

homemade valentines cards

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"

Aug 01, 2023

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 "

Aug 01, 2023

Free redwork embroidery patterns

redwork embroidery

Looking for free redwork embroidery patterns? Why not start here with this cute mother hen design

Continue reading "Free redwork embroidery patterns"

Aug 01, 2023

Learn how to cross stitch with Carol

cross stitch diagram

Learn how to cross stitch with simple instructions. Learn how to read a chart, what the symbols mean, where to start and how to finish off

Continue reading "Learn how to cross stitch with Carol"

Aug 01, 2023

How to needlepoint velvet stitch to create a fur texture

velvet stitch 01

Learn how to needlepoint with this guide to velvet stitch. Great for creating a fur-like texture for animals or can be used for needlepoint rugs

Continue reading "How to needlepoint velvet stitch to create a fur texture"

Aug 01, 2023

Piecing a Crazy Quilt Block using the stitch and flip method

crazy quilt block pieced

Join me, as I make a crazy quilt block - step by step photos showing how to foundation piece your crazy quilt with flip and stitch

Continue reading "Piecing a Crazy Quilt Block using the stitch and flip method"

Jul 24, 2023

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"

Jul 24, 2023

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.

Continue reading "Blackwork flower patterns to delight the stitcher"

Jul 24, 2023

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

Continue reading "X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather"

Jul 16, 2023

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.

Continue reading "Blackwork animals to download and stitch"

Jun 27, 2023

The creative inspiration behind a blackwork angel design

marias blackwork sampler

What gives you creative inspiration. Share your story and read how Maria was inspired to combine her love of needlework and painting.

Continue reading "The creative inspiration behind a blackwork angel design"

Jun 25, 2023

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

Continue reading "From Novice to Expert: How to Learn Hand Embroidery"

Jun 24, 2023

Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft

hardanger patterns 01 - mat

Carol Leather's hardanger patterns are beautifully crafted and a joy to stitch. Browse our collection and find the perfect project for you

Continue reading "Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft"

Jun 24, 2023

Become a Cross stitch designer

This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business

Continue reading "Become a Cross stitch designer"

Jun 24, 2023

fleur-de-lis blackwork patterns to download and stitch

The fleur-de-lis or iris flower is a traditional motif, stitch 3 variations in blackwork embroidery

Continue reading "fleur-de-lis blackwork patterns to download and stitch"

Jun 24, 2023

Blackwork needlework designs - 3 windmills worked in blue floss

blackwork-windmill-01.jpg

Elevate your embroidery with our stunning blue windmill designs in blackwork. Choose from three intricate looking patterns that are simple to stitch

Continue reading "Blackwork needlework designs - 3 windmills worked in blue floss"

Jun 24, 2023

Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather

garden sampler 350

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"

Jun 24, 2023

Medieval blackwork kits and patterns - a knight and his lady

blackwork knight

The X-Calibre range of blackwork kits includes this stunning knight and his lady, both stitched in traditional black and gold. Available to download.

Continue reading "Medieval blackwork kits and patterns - a knight and his lady"

Jun 24, 2023

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

Continue reading "Blackwork figures through the ages"

Jun 24, 2023

Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend

tortoise

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"

Jun 24, 2023

Blackwork Christmas Designs that stitch up quickly

blackwork christmas star

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"

Jun 24, 2023

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.

Continue reading "Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist"

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