| Shadow embroidery is a technique that creates | | | | canvas for some details and gain fantastic results. |
| mysterious shadow effect on the stitched cloth. It is | | | | When choosing a design, use transfer patterns or |
| also known as a Whitework technique. Shadow | | | | make up something yours. Stitch on the wrong side of |
| embroidery is done on dress accessories, children's | | | | sheer material and examine the effects of shadow |
| clothes, lingerie and household linens. | | | | embroidery on the right side. |
| The procedure of making shadow embroidery may | | | | 2) How can you make a small pillow or a cushion using |
| sound confusing for the first time, but actually it is | | | | shadow embroidery? To create a pillow you need the |
| extremely easy-to-make. The stitch is worked on | | | | following materials: number 7 or finer crewel needle, |
| sheer, transparent or firmly woven threads. For the | | | | two 9 inch squares of sheer fabric, plain muslin, |
| ground fabric you may choose whatever you like: viole, | | | | embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, dressmaker's |
| batiste, fine linen or muslin, synthetic or sheer silk and | | | | carbon paper or hot iron transfer pencil, one yard |
| so on. Ready made clothes can also be embroidered | | | | ruffled lace, matching thread, and small quantity of |
| with the shadow effect stitches. There are few things | | | | polyester fiberfill. |
| you have to learn about shadow embroidery. Work | | | | The design you want to embroider has to be |
| double back stitch on the right side of the fabric. | | | | transferred on the wrong side of the pillow top with |
| On the reverse side of the cloth will be gradually | | | | the usage of hot iron transfer pencil. Then it is time to |
| formed a herringbone stitch. These herringbone | | | | put fabric in the embroidery hoop. If, for example, you |
| stitches make for the shadow effect. Another thing is | | | | want to embroider a flower, follow the Number 1 |
| closeness of the stitches. If the stitches are close to | | | | suggestions, using French knot for the centre and |
| one another, a deeper shadow is produced. If they are | | | | shadow stitching for the petals. Close herringbone |
| not so close together, a lacy effect appears on the | | | | stitch is just perfect for making flowers. The ruffled |
| right side. Tiny separate stitches follow the lace as an | | | | lace should be stitched around the perimeter of pillow |
| outline. Best for producing shadow effect are silk or | | | | top. With a seam you should stitch together pillow top |
| cotton yarns. You can also use one ply of embroidery | | | | and bottom sides. Make sure you leave one side |
| floss, and a number 7 or less crewel needle with a | | | | unseamed for the pillow filler to place inside. Trim the |
| hoop. Colours can be stronger if you add extra plies to | | | | three sides and the corners. The muslin and polyester |
| the fibers. Here are two examples of using shadow | | | | fiberfill can serve as fillers. Sachets of potpourri can |
| embroidery to create something beautiful. | | | | also be put inside before seaming the fourth side of |
| 1) How to embroider a flower using shadow stitches? | | | | the pillow. |
| Stems are made with fine back chain stitches on the | | | | Before trying onto larger areas, practice shadow |
| right side of the fabric. To create the centre of the | | | | embroidery on smaller surfaces, such as pockets, |
| flower, around which the petals are, use French knot | | | | belts, hats and so on. Be careful when using the iron |
| clusters on the right side. Petals and leaves should | | | | for covering up minor creases on collars, belts and |
| have an outline, filled up with shadow stitches. Use | | | | other smaller areas. It may ruin the shadow |
| green for the colours of stems and leaves. Petals can | | | | embroidery. |
| have any colour. You can add white floss on the white | | | | |