Getting Started

Crewel is a form of embroidery that uses two-ply worsted wool threads on sturdy (usually linen) fabric. The wool thread is not soft and fuzzy like knitting yarn. Instead, it’s combed and spun until it’s smooth like a rope. Two strands of this worsted wool are then loosely twisted together to make crewel wool thread (figure 1).

To have a smooth surface for embroidery, your fabric must be held taut. Embroidery hoops do just that; the fabric is sandwiched between two nestled rings that are screwed snugly together so that the fabric is tight, like a drum.

Hoops come in different shapes and sizes. They’re round, oval, or square, and made of wood, plastic, or metal. A simple, round, unfinished wood hoop that you’ll find at most craft stores will get you started.

The primary stitch used in this project is a variation of the Spider Web Stitch (also known as Circular Spider’s Web or Whipped Spider’s Web). It may look tricky, but it’s really not. Go ahead—give it a spin!

Starting from the outer edge of your design and working toward the center, use Straight Stitch to make “spokes” that will form the structure of the web (figure 2).

If you choose to create full “webs” in addition to sparkles, slide the needle under spokes A and B near the center of the web (figure 3). Pull your thread taut. Again slide the needle under spokes B and C. Pull your thread taut and toward the center of the web. Continue by sliding the needle under C and D and then under D and E (figure 4), and so on, filling the web from the center out (figure 5). Your web is finished when the spokes are no longer visible (figure 6).

An idea for a variation to this stitch is to stop weaving the web halfway up the spokes so that the spokes are partially exposed.