The Two Classifications of Embroidery

                                                                                         

The art of embroidery has two classifications in itself. They are classified according to which is being stitched on top of the fabric and which is stitched through the fabric. On one hand, we have free embroidery. On the other, we have counted-thread embroidery.

Free embroidery involve designs that are applied with no concern to the weave of the fabric used. The best example as a form of free embroidery is crewel embroidery, which is popularly used for embroidery work on cushions, pillows, and curtains. Crewel embroidery uses a variety of stitchings and techniques and with this creates designs that have a raised and dimensional look to them. Other examples of free embroidery are traditional Chinese and Japanese embroidery.

The other type of embroidery is counted-thread embroidery. Counted-thread embroidery is the more contemporary of the two forms of the craft of embroidery. The patterns here are created as such that the stitches are made over a predetermined number of threads in the fabric. Tis form of embroidery is easier done on even-weaved fabrics such as embroidery canvas and aida cloth. Specially woven cotton and linen cloth are also fine for counted-thread embroidery.

There are many well-known examples of counted-thread embroidery. Canvas work is one of them. Canvas work is a form of embroidery where the yarn is stitched through a canvas or fabric. The yarns use can either be knitting yarns, tapestry wools, silk, synthetic, or metallic threads. Fine ribbons, plastic thread, raffia and string is also used for canvas work embroidery. Under canvas work, we have more specific forms of embroidery that includes needlepoint, petit point, and bargello. Canvas work embroidery can be done for pillows, purses, rugs, and upholstery.

Another example of counted-thread embroidery is blackwork embroidery. In blackwork embroidery, any black thread is stitched in even-weave fabrics. Traditionally, silk thread on white or off-white linen or cotton is what characterizes blackwork. In recent times, firmly twisted threads are preferred to give off a better look to the design.

Consequently, there is also what we call scarletwork, where the thread used is red and not black. There is also whitework embroidery wherein the stitching is done with the same color as the fabric (usually white). Whitework is usually done on blouses and christening gowns.

Perhaps a more popular example of counted-thread embroidery is cross-stitch. X-shaped stitches are sewn through the fabric to create a design or picture. The fabric used is even-weave and countable, and the stitches are made in the same size and appearance.

Drawn thread work is a form of counted-thread embroidery that is described as removing threads from the warp or weft of a fabric. The threads left on the fabric are then grouped together, forming them into various patterns. Going over into more elaborate styles of this form of embroidery, though, dawn thread work also uses other stitches and techniques.

All these forms of embroidery are still popular today. Whether it is free embroidery or counted-thread embroidery, the craft has given creative and colorful designs for our clothing, upholstery, carpets, and other fabrics.

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