Machine embroidery
From Wikinfo
Machine embroidery is a fairly recent innovation of the skills traditionally done by hand. It includes embroidery, needlework and cross-stitching on various materials. Techniques, colors and design varieties vary widely. The products of embroidery and cross stitching include historical items and folk art. Today, embroidery machines make this one way for an artist to share for years to come.
Cross-stitching is a very popular form of embroidery that uses a counted-thread type technique. X-shaped stitches form images, but it’s not the only stitch that is used. Often the ¼, ½, ¾ and backstitches are used and are most often executed on fabrics that have easily countable threads. Blackwork stitching is also a form of counted-thread embroidery using black thread on a white background fabric. It is traditionally stitched with silk thread on a white cotton or linen fabric. An offshoot of blackwork is called scarlet work, done with red thread instead of black.
Berlin work is a subtype of canvas work mostly done with tapestry wool on canvas but not seen too much in our day. It was stitched with many different tints and shades and was characterized by what was an almost three-dimensional feel to the work, due to the advancement of the dyeing processes in the 1830’s. It was very durable and could be used on cushions, bags, clothing, or furniture covers. Berlin work is stitched only by a minority of people today, but kits are available for those who would like to try this unique art form.
Whitework is another type of cross-stitch, but it isn’t always white. Any piece of embroidery where the color of the stitching is the same color as the background fabric is called whitework, although it has its beginnings in white linen and stitches. This is one of many techniques used when creating items intended to be handed down through the generations, such as baby bonnets, christening gowns, blouses, and other household items.
Cutwork is done by cutting out a portion of a fabric and then reinforcing the hole it creates by stitching around it.
Darning is a technique that utilizes a needle and thread alone in order to repair holes or worn areas in clothing or on other items. It uses the darning stitch, where the thread is woven in rows in the grain of the fabric. At the end of the row, the embroiderer reverses his or her direction. Using darning to repair holes or worm places in clothing is less obvious than simply patching it up with a new piece of fabric.
Trianglepoint embroidery, invented by Sherlee Lantz in 1976, employs a series of equilateral triangles that are stitched in different colors and used to create three-dimensional designs or pictures and geometric designs.
Websites such as Ahey-embroidery.com can be helpful to embroidery and cross-stitch enthusiasts.
