What's New on Carol's Needlework Blog Today!

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Mar 18, 2025

Tent Stitch Tutorial: How to Do Half Cross, Continental & Basketweave

 A tree worked in tent stitch

Learn how to do tent stitch in three variations: half cross, continental, and basketweave. Step-by-step guide with images to perfect your needlepoint technique.

Continue reading "Tent Stitch Tutorial: How to Do Half Cross, Continental & Basketweave"

Mar 18, 2025

How to Work Fractional Stitches in Cross Stitch (With Diagrams & Tips)

quarter-stitches-over-Aida.png

Learn how and where to use fractional stitches in your cross stitch. Half cross stitch, 3/4 and 1/4 stitches can help add detail to a design

Continue reading "How to Work Fractional Stitches in Cross Stitch (With Diagrams & Tips)"

Mar 18, 2025

Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners

backstitch diagram

Discover the secrets of the double running stitch for perfect blackwork embroidery. Learn step-by-step techniques for reversible designs with expert guidance

Continue reading "Double Running Stitch Tutorial: Easy Guide for Beginners"

Mar 18, 2025

Blackwork flower patterns to delight the stitcher

fuchsia.jpg

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"

Mar 18, 2025

X-Calibre Blackwork kits for beginners by Carol Leather

little-owl.jpg

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"

Mar 18, 2025

Blackwork Samplers - Downloadable charts by Carol Leather

garden sampler 350

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"

Mar 18, 2025

Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial

scotch stitch on canvas

Learn how to work the Scotch Stitch with our step-by-step needlepoint tutorial, including variations like Alternating and Chequer Stitch

Continue reading "Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial"

Mar 15, 2025

Needlepoint Stitches: Choose the Right One for Stunning Designs

rhodes stitch 01

Struggling to choose the right needlepoint stitch? Get expert tips on selecting stitches for texture, direction, and style. Learn effortlessly

Continue reading "Needlepoint Stitches: Choose the Right One for Stunning Designs"

Mar 14, 2025

Small Sewing Room Ideas: Maximize Space and Creativity

ikea units hold all sorts

Transformative small sewing room ideas for a functional, beautiful and inspiring workspace - it's all about making the most of what you have.

Continue reading "Small Sewing Room Ideas: Maximize Space and Creativity"

Mar 12, 2025

Hand embroidery for beginners - Supplies, Fabric and Design Transfer

essential hand embroidery supplies

Learn hand embroidery with this beginner’s guide! Discover essential supplies, fabric choices, and simple design transfer methods to start stitching today.

Continue reading "Hand embroidery for beginners - Supplies, Fabric and Design Transfer"

Mar 12, 2025

How to Learn Hand Embroidery – Beginner’s Guide and Tips

french knot embroidery stitches

How to learn hand embroidery for beginners: Discover essential stitches, helpful tips, and easy techniques to start your embroidery journey today

Continue reading "How to Learn Hand Embroidery – Beginner’s Guide and Tips"

Mar 12, 2025

Embroidery Tips for Beginners - Easy Fixes for Common Mistakes

tangled-thread-causes-knots

Struggling with tangled thread, puckered fabric, or messy stitches? These beginner-friendly embroidery tips will help you fix mistakes & stitch with confidence!

Continue reading "Embroidery Tips for Beginners - Easy Fixes for Common Mistakes"

Mar 12, 2025

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

Continue reading "how to launder red work embroidery"

Mar 12, 2025

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Cross Stitch and Embroidery Pieces

Discoloured and stained cross stitch

Learn how to safely wash, dry, and care for your cross-stitch projects. Step-by-step guide with expert tips to keep your embroidery looking fresh.

Continue reading "A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Cross Stitch and Embroidery Pieces"

Mar 11, 2025

Framing cross stitch projects at home - step by step guide

heron

Illustrated step by step instructions for stretching and framing cross stitch and blackwork projects. Learn how to frame needlework the easy way.

Continue reading "Framing cross stitch projects at home - step by step guide"

Mar 10, 2025

Four-Sided Stitch Instructions for Horizontal and Vertical Stitching

four sided stitch front

Discover four sided stitch, commonly used in Hardanger, pulled thread work, and counted embroidery. Easy steps for stunning openwork effects.

Continue reading "Four-Sided Stitch Instructions for Horizontal and Vertical Stitching"

Mar 03, 2025

Old charts to new

I've been stitching for 50+ years, so I have lots of the old charts that were drawn by hand. At the time, it was all we had and we didn't know any better.

Continue reading "Old charts to new"

Feb 28, 2025

Backing a cross stitched baby quilt

Hi Carol, I have just discovered your website and find it very useful! Much easier to understand than kit instructions. Currently, I am stitching a stamped

Continue reading "Backing a cross stitched baby quilt "

Feb 24, 2025

Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques

Fabric count quick reference table

A Guide to choosing fabric for counted thread embroidery. Including cross stitch fabric, evenweave fabrics and linen embroidery fabric

Continue reading "Choosing embroidery fabric for counted thread embroidery techniques"

Feb 21, 2025

Cutting and Wrapped Bars with Dove's Eyes

Phicture of end result

Please help me as I am stuck. I took photos of the picture of the finished product, instructions and my project at this point. I am unsure as to where

Continue reading "Cutting and Wrapped Bars with Dove's Eyes"

Feb 14, 2025

Blackwork Embroidery: History, Patterns & How to Get Started

free blackwork pattern

Discover the beauty of blackwork embroidery! Learn its history, master essential stitches, and download free patterns to start today.

Continue reading "Blackwork Embroidery: History, Patterns & How to Get Started"

Feb 12, 2025

Become a Cross stitch designer

This ebook gives an insider guide to becoming a cross stitch designer and starting your own business

Continue reading "Become a Cross stitch designer"

Feb 11, 2025

Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour

homemade valentines cards

Free cross stitch patterns that are quick and easy. Learn how to cross stitch with these simple designs from Carol Leather

Continue reading "Free Cross Stitch Patterns to Make in Under an Hour"

Feb 11, 2025

Cross stitch card making ideas

poinsettia-cross-stitch

A visitor to the site, Rachel, shares one of her cross stitch card making ideas

Continue reading "Cross stitch card making ideas"

Feb 11, 2025

Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics

homemade valentines cards

Time to try counted cross stitch on linen or evenweave fabrics? Learn about the advantages over Aida and how to determine the finished project size.

Continue reading "Counted Cross Stitch - using linen and evenweave fabrics"

Feb 11, 2025

Cross Stitch vs Embroidery: Choosing the Right Needlework Technique

cross stitch fallow deer

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: Choosing the Right Needlework Technique"

Feb 11, 2025

Waste Canvas Wonders - Personalize Your Wardrobe with Stitching

stitching on waste canvas

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"

Feb 11, 2025

Attaching beads to cross stitch and blackwork projects

Storing beads in film canisters

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"

Feb 11, 2025

Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch

free blackwork suare coaster pattern

Download this free blackwork embroidery pattern, perfect for beginners. Includes step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful Harvest Time coaster.

Continue reading "Enjoy this free blackwork pattern and learn double running stitch"

Feb 11, 2025

Baby cross stitch patterns from designer Carol Leather

welcome baby cross stitch sampler

Choose from these baby cross stitch patterns to celebrate a new member of your family. Includes a sampler, that can be adapted to a card.

Continue reading "Baby cross stitch patterns from designer Carol Leather"

Feb 11, 2025

Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft

hardanger star in coloured threads

Carol Leather's hardanger patterns are beautifully crafted and a joy to stitch. Browse our collection and find the perfect project for you

Continue reading "Hardanger Patterns: Discover the Beauty of This Traditional Craft"

Feb 04, 2025

Redwork Embroidery - its history and techniques,

redwork embroidery

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,"

Jan 12, 2025

Embroidery Stitch Sampler: A Creative Way to Practice and Explore

mini embroidery sampler

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"

Jan 12, 2025

Free Christmas Bargello Design: A Needlepoint Pattern for Beginners

free bargello design

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"

Jan 11, 2025

What is slow stitching? A personal response to the question

memories of a scottish holiday in slow stitch

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"

Jan 08, 2025

Discover the Magic of Cross Stitch: A Beginner's Guide

Click to go to the calculator

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"

Jan 08, 2025

Free Redwork Embroidery Patterns & Step-by-Step Instructions

free redwork hen pattern

Learn this simple technique with a mother hen design, the first of my free redwork embroidery patterns using simple stitches and a single thread colour.

Continue reading "Free Redwork Embroidery Patterns & Step-by-Step Instructions"

Jan 08, 2025

Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques with this pear design

blackwork pears lesson

Learn how to add shading to your blackwork embroidery using two different techniques, while stitching this picture depicting a pair of pears

Continue reading "Learn blackwork embroidery shading techniques with this pear design"

Jan 07, 2025

Learn Herringbone Stitch: Techniques, Tips, and Stunning Applications

herringbone stitch sample

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"

Jan 07, 2025

Learn bullion stitch, aka bullion knots and how to use them

bullion knots 04

How do you make a perfect bullion knot? Expert tips for adding bullion stitch to your embroidery projects with ease.

Continue reading "Learn bullion stitch, aka bullion knots and how to use them"

Jan 07, 2025

Learn Feather Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorials & Variations

feather-stitch-tree.jpg

Feather stitch embroidery made easy! Step-by-step guide with videos, creative variations, and pro tips for embroidery enthusiasts of all levels

Continue reading "Learn Feather Stitch Embroidery: Step-by-Step Tutorials & Variations"

Jan 04, 2025

Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat

blackwork designs 03- mischief in store

These blackwork designs feature the antics of Mischeif the cat. Available as downloadable charts

Continue reading "Blackwork designs featuring Mischief the cat"

Jan 04, 2025

A beginner guide to hardanger embroidery - overcast bars & doves eyes

hardanger lesson 2

Part 2 of the free beginner guide to hardanger embroidery. Learn to stitch Kloster blocks, wrapped bars, and dove’s eyes with step-by-step instructions

Continue reading "A beginner guide to hardanger embroidery - overcast bars & doves eyes"

Dec 30, 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"

Dec 27, 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,

Continue reading "Hand quilting a cross stitch lap blanket"

Dec 03, 2024

Woven picots: How to Embroider Realistic Petals and Leaves

lazy daisy stitch strawberry

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.

Continue reading "Twilleys tapestry kit"

Nov 30, 2024

Whitework Embroidery Stitches: Step-by-Step Cobbler Stitch Guide

whitework embroidery stitches

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

filling stitches

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"

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