hand embroidery patterns

The most interesting of all the existing arts and crafts are the ones done by hand. This includes the intricate needlework done on various fabrics, for various reasons such as clothing, upholstery, etc. In fact, hand embroidery has a number of forms that have become a part of every embroiders rich heritage. And this continues to increase from time to time as some specialists innovate newer patterns.

Hand-work embroidery includes the various forms:

• Blackwork : This is a type of counted-thread embroidery method. This is generally done on a fabric, which is of even-weave, with any type of thread, as long as it is black in color.


• Canvas work : In this type of embroidery the thread is stitched through a sheet of canvas or any other foundation-fabric. This, like the blackwork is type of counted-thread technique.


• Berlin wool work : This was traditionally done with tapestry wool on the canvas base. It was usually done only in petit-point stitch. It was a colorful form of embroidery that created a three-dimensional look.


• Counted-thread embroidery : This is actually any type of embroidery work wherein the embroiderer counts the number of fabric threads before inserting the needle in to the fabric.


• Cross-stitch : This is basically a double stitch method that forms an ‘x’ on the fabric. Patterns are created using this technique. This is in fact the basic stitch taught to all beginners. There are the embroidery canvas base material on which young girls can practice this stitch, creating varied patterns and designs.

1. Cutwork
2. Darning
3. Drawn thread work