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What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!
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Dec 03, 2024
Woven picots: How to Embroider Realistic Petals and Leaves
Learn how to create stunning woven picots with this step-by-step guide! Perfect for adding texture and dimension to your embroidery projects
Continue reading "Woven picots: How to Embroider Realistic Petals and Leaves"
Nov 30, 2024
Twilleys tapestry kit
I have a kit but have lost the instructions. Twilleys have ceased trading so I cannot request a replacement. My question is about the yarn supplied.
Nov 30, 2024
Whitework Embroidery Stitches: Step-by-Step Cobbler Stitch Guide
Discover the beauty of whitework embroidery stitches with a step-by-step guide to Cobbler Stitch, featuring a detailed diagram and photo of the finished sample
Continue reading "Whitework Embroidery Stitches: Step-by-Step Cobbler Stitch Guide"
Nov 28, 2024
Learn Hand Embroidery Stitches: Step-by-Step Techniques with Carol
Learn hand embroidery stitches to fill areas of a design. Carol’s step-by-step tutorials make it easy to create beautiful, textured patterns.
Continue reading "Learn Hand Embroidery Stitches: Step-by-Step Techniques with Carol"
Nov 28, 2024
What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question
Carol gives her answer to the question: what is slow stitching and explains how you can get started and the benefits of doing so.
Continue reading "What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question"
Nov 27, 2024
Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore
Discover how an embroidery stitch sampler can help you practice stitches, experiment with techniques, and grow your confidence—no perfection required!
Continue reading "Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore"
Nov 26, 2024
Basic Embroidery Stitches for Beginners - Simple Guides and Tips
Learn basic embroidery stitches with easy-to-follow tutorials and practical tips. Perfect for beginners looking to add a creative touch to their projects
Continue reading "Basic Embroidery Stitches for Beginners - Simple Guides and Tips"
Nov 26, 2024
Which hand embroidery stitches are best for stems and twigs
A selection of hand embroidery stitches that are ideal for outlining shapes or stitching stems, branches, twigs, vines and even seaweed.
Continue reading "Which hand embroidery stitches are best for stems and twigs"
Nov 25, 2024
Attaching beads to cross stitch and blackwork projects
A super simple way of attaching beads to your cross stitch and blackwork, with step by step instructions
Continue reading "Attaching beads to cross stitch and blackwork projects"
Nov 22, 2024
Embroidery hoops - all you ever wanted to know about using them
Discover expert tips for using embroidery hoops. Learn how to adjust tension, position screws, prevent snags, and choose between different hoop types.
Continue reading "Embroidery hoops - all you ever wanted to know about using them"
Nov 19, 2024
Learn Herringbone Stitch: Techniques, Tips, and Stunning Applications
Discover the versatility of herringbone stitch with this detailed guide. Step-by-step tutorials, creative uses, and expert tips bring your projects to life
Continue reading "Learn Herringbone Stitch: Techniques, Tips, and Stunning Applications"
Nov 08, 2024
An introduction to blackwork embroidery and its history
Explore the elegant art of blackwork embroidery. Discover its rich history, master basic stitches, and find inspiration for your next project
Continue reading "An introduction to blackwork embroidery and its history"
Nov 04, 2024
Thread terminology
I'm following counted cross stitch instructions, but am confused by some terms: one is easy - use one strand folded double is in essence, two strands The
Nov 02, 2024
Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project
Needlepoint patterns that use textured needlepoint stitches and over-dyed threads make up the Textures to Dye for range
Continue reading "Needlepoint Patterns: Discover Beautiful Designs for Your Next Project"
Nov 01, 2024
Stitch a French knot the easy way with this step by step tutorial
The best way to stitch a French knot without getting in a tangle. These clear instructions and video will show you how its done
Continue reading "Stitch a French knot the easy way with this step by step tutorial"
Oct 29, 2024
Top Needlework Finishing Techniques for Stunning Results
Discover essential needlework finishing techniques to preserve and display your projects beautifully, from framing to hemming.
Continue reading "Top Needlework Finishing Techniques for Stunning Results"
Oct 28, 2024
Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat
These blackwork designs feature the antics of Mischeif the cat. Available as downloadable charts
Continue reading "Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat"
Oct 28, 2024
Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather
Blackwork isn't just for pictures to hang on the wall, blackwork samplers can be made into gorgeous cushions/pillows as these designs show
Continue reading "Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather"
Oct 28, 2024
Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist
Try a new twist on assisi embroidery, these three designs use blackwork instead of cross stitch to give a wonderful effect.
Continue reading "Assisi embroidery - designs with a blackwork twist"
Oct 28, 2024
Become a Cross stitch designer
This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business
Oct 28, 2024
Blackwork for Beginners Book
Blackwork for Beginners - learn this fascinating needlework technique with Carol Leather's book
Oct 24, 2024
Vintage embroidery photos
Photos of vintage embroidery projects, kindly sent in by Averi of her mother's work.
Oct 23, 2024
Free Christmas Bargello Design: A Needlepoint Pattern for Beginners
Create your own Bargello Christmas design with this free needlepoint pattern. Perfect for beginners, with step-by-step instructions and downloadable pattern.
Continue reading "Free Christmas Bargello Design: A Needlepoint Pattern for Beginners"
Oct 22, 2024
Free Hand Embroidery Designs and Lessons
Discover a variety of free hand embroidery designs and lessons. Learn techniques like blackwork, cross-stitch, and hardanger with detailed patterns & tutorials
Oct 22, 2024
Freelance Sewing Jobs from Home: Start Earning with Sewing Skills
Seeking home sewing jobs? Find freelance sewing opportunities, plus tips for starting your own home-based sewing business. Turn your skills into income today.
Continue reading "Freelance Sewing Jobs from Home: Start Earning with Sewing Skills"
Oct 21, 2024
Fabric size vs design size vs hoop size
I am doing a project on 8 inch fabric. The design is a 6 inch and I want to use a 4 inch hoop. Is that OK?
Oct 21, 2024
Piecing a Crazy Quilt Block using the stitch and flip method
Get creative with fabric scraps! Learn the stitch and flip technique to make a one-of-a-kind crazy quilt block. Follow my step-by-step guide.
Continue reading "Piecing a Crazy Quilt Block using the stitch and flip method"
Sep 30, 2024
threading the needle and satin stitch
Is there an easy way to thread the needle? I use the needle threaders with the wire but after several uses the wire breaks. I also have trouble with
Sep 27, 2024
Bargello needlepoint - Have you tried it
An introduction to bargello needlepoint. How to use colour to its full effect in this lovely form of canvas work.
Sep 21, 2024
Testimonials from visitors
I love it when visitors write in with pictures of finished pieces worked from my charts. Here are a few of them...
Aug 28, 2024
Hand quilting a cross stitch lap blanket
I have completed a cross stitch lap blanket. Now, do I finish it with hand quilting straight stitch right through the cross stitching? === Hi Susan,
Aug 14, 2024
Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide
New to cross stitch? Start here! Get the lowdown on this easy-to-learn craft, from basic stitches to finishing techniques. Plus, grab free patterns!
Continue reading "Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide"
Aug 09, 2024
Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend
Small, simple blackwork embroidery kits and patterns by Carol Leather of X-Calibre Designs.
Continue reading "Blackwork embroidery kits you can stitch in a weekend"
Aug 09, 2024
X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather
Learn a new needlework technique with these blackwork kits for beginners. Choose from a cute blackwork owl, a rocking horse or a rabbit
Continue reading "X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather"
Jul 30, 2024
Crazy Quilting Ideas and how they change as you work a block
Explore Crazy Quilting Ideas and how they evolve as you work a block. Learn how to adapt your design, replace elements, and tell a story with your project.
Continue reading "Crazy Quilting Ideas and how they change as you work a block"
Jul 30, 2024
How do you embroider letters by hand using 3 simple stitches
How do you embroider letters by hand on a crazy quilt block. The tutorial covers how to position your letters and the three stitches used.
Continue reading "How do you embroider letters by hand using 3 simple stitches"
Jul 29, 2024
Cross Stitch Calculator: Pick The Best Fabric Count In Seconds
Cross stitch calculator - Get the right fabric size for your cross stitch project. Simply input your design dimensions and fabric count for instant results
Continue reading "Cross Stitch Calculator: Pick The Best Fabric Count In Seconds"
Jul 29, 2024
how to launder red work embroidery
How do I safely launder red work embroidery? I do not know if the red embroidery, which is on white pillow shams, has ever been set. There are no stains
Jul 27, 2024
Browse my Blackwork Embroidery Patterns - Available to download
Explore my unique blackwork embroidery designs, learn the stories behind each one, and download ready to start stitching straight away.
Continue reading "Browse my Blackwork Embroidery Patterns - Available to download"
Jul 19, 2024
Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching
Take your needlework to the next level with waste canvas: Transform your clothes into one-of-a-kind statement pieces
Continue reading "Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching"
Jul 18, 2024
Diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves
Time for diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves in our free whitework embroidery sampler. Learn pulled thread and drawn thread work!
Continue reading "Diamond eyelet stitch and double backstitch leaves"
Jul 17, 2024
Blackwork animals to download and stitch
Portraits of blackwork animals can look lifelike with careful shading. Choose from these 5 stunning designs.
Jul 14, 2024
Embroidery Stitches: Master Embroidery with These Essential Techniques
Easy embroidery stitches for creating beautiful embroidered flowers. Our comprehensive guide covers tips for beginners and experienced embroiderers alike.
Continue reading "Embroidery Stitches: Master Embroidery with These Essential Techniques"
Jul 09, 2024
Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,
An overview of the history and techniques of redwork embroidery, including its origins, the Victorian era, and the modern-day relevance.
Continue reading "Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,"
Jul 04, 2024
cross stitch vs embroidery: which needlework type is best for you?
Choose from cross stitch or embroidery - let your creativity shine through & create beautiful items to last a lifetime! No matter which you choose, have fun
Continue reading "cross stitch vs embroidery: which needlework type is best for you?"
Jul 04, 2024
From Novice to Expert: How to Learn Hand Embroidery
Embark on a journey of skill development | how to learn hand embroidery and unlock your creative potential
Continue reading "From Novice to Expert: How to Learn Hand Embroidery"
Jul 03, 2024
Blackwork figures through the ages
Step back in time with these lovely blackwork figures through the ages from regency, through Edwardian into the 20th century
Jul 02, 2024
Blackwork flower patterns to delight the stitcher
Blackwork flower patterns bring the outside in. These symbolic flowers have special meanings. Stitch them and share with your loved ones.
Continue reading "Blackwork flower patterns to delight the stitcher"
Jul 02, 2024
Colonial knot or French knot, which is best for your project?
Discover the differences between Colonial and French knots in embroidery. Learn step-by-step how to create secure, rounded Colonial knots for your projects.
Continue reading "Colonial knot or French knot, which is best for your project?"
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