This
technique was originally reserved for embroidery on silk and
velvet using coarse thread. It is known as laid work. References
to the names of stitches in this category are from Therese de
Dillmont's Encylopedia of Needlework.
They are equally elegant using finer threads on any number
of fabrics of sufficient weight to complement their bold beauty.
A needleworker might like to experiment with padding to create
a high-relief, adding to the dimension of the work.
The stitches are
used for large design areas not suitable for satin stitch. If
all of the objects in your piece are done with these stitches,
and the designs are outlined with stem stitch, it is called Arab
Work.
For
further reading, Mary Thomas's Embroidery Book and
Weldon's Encylopedia of Needlework also have
several pages devoted to laid work, with split stitch
(wool), stem stitch and other patterns "laid" upon
a ground of satin stitches to create lovely textures
in large designs. |
General
Directions: You will need to use a hoop
to maintain constant tension. The sample was executed
with
perle coton
No. 5 on 1400 linen, while the finished piece was worked
in Caron Waterlilies. It is highly recommended that
you practise these stitches at least once with heavy thread.
Once you see how they are done, and how simple the process
is, you can then incorporate them into your embroidery repertoire.
Begin
your work with running stitches to anchor the thread. It is
sometimes easier to start in the center of an area as shown
in the examples. PLEASE NOTE: The sample
is an incomplete example. You would normally start at the center,
go out to one end, then return to the center. From this point,
repeat the process from the center to the opposite end. After
the base stitches are laid, you then proceed with the second
set, then third (if any).
Use long lengths of thread - approximately one
yard (one meter). You will use the "stab" method of embroidery. Although
shown below for illustration, the sewing method will not give
you reliable results. |
|
STEP ONE: Using
the stab method, stitch across design. One method of working,
shown at left, is to leave a space between each stitch for a
single strand, and fill this space on a return journey as shown
below. |
|
STEP THREE: After the base threads
have been laid, and using a tapestry needle, neatly attach a new
thread on the back of work and come out at the front perpendicular
to the ground threads. Go over four threads, under four threads,
over four threads, etc. in a basketweave pattern to the opposite
end. Bring needle to back of fabric, and again to front next to
the thread previously laid. Repeat this pattern three more times.
Although the original directions stated going over and under THREE
threads, the number can be adjusted to suit the size of threads
and design used. |
