Getting Started

Crewel is a form of embroidery that uses two-ply worsted wool threads on 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).

 

Linen Twill

Linen is a very sturdy, natural material. When woven in a twill pattern, it doesn’t have the grid-like system of holes seen in the plain weave fabrics of needlepoint and cross-stitch (figure 2). The tight, smooth, and uninterrupted surface of a twill weave is perfect for the freeform style of crewel embroidery (figure 3).

 

 

Embroidery Hoops

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.

 

Special Stitch: Split Stitch

Split Stitch is a versatile “drawing” stitch, great for outlining designs. First, make a single Straight Stitch. Bring the needle up through the middle of your Straight Stitch at A, then go down at B (figure 4). Come up at C, again “splitting” the stitch, and go down at D (figure 5), and so on. Here’s a tip: Keep all of your stitches the same size except when stitching around a tight curve. Accommodate the curve by making your stitches much smaller. This will keep the flow of the line very smooth.

 

 

Skill Level

• Beginner

Materials

• Pattern design (found at the end of the instructions)
• White linen twill, 10" x 14" (25.5 x 35.5 cm)
• Hoop, 6" (15.2 cm) in diameter
• Crewel wool thread, 1 skein each of light brown, olive brown, periwinkle blue, lavender, and palest periwinkle blue
• Chenille needle, size 24, or comparable crewel needle of choice
• Complementary fabric for backing, preferably a washable silk or another medium-weight, natural fabric, 6" x 9-1⁄2" (15.2 x 24 cm)
• Dried lavender, 1-1⁄2 cups (350 ml)

Tools & Supplies

• Access to a photocopier that makes enlargements
• Tracing paper
• Fabric pen or pencil
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing thread
• Hand sewing needle

Stitches Used

• Split Stitch
• Seed Stitch
• Back Stitch

Material Used in the Featured Pillow

• 1 skein each of Appleton crewel wool, in colors 912, 312, 893, 102, and 461