Needlework Patterns and Accessories

Needlework is another term for the handicraft ofEmbroidery
decorative sewing and textile arts.Embroidery is the art or handicraft of decorating fabric
Needlework includesor other materials with designs stitched in strands of
Patchworkthread or yarn using a needle. Embroidery stitches are
Patchwork or "pieced work" is a form of needleworkthe smallest units in embroidery, embroidery patterns
that involves sewing together pieces of fabric into aare formed by doing many embroidery stitches, either
larger design. The larger design is usually based onall the same or different ones, either following a
repeat patterns built up with different colored shapes.counting chart on paper, following a design painted on
Patchwork embroidery has been in vogue forthe fabric or even working freehand. Blackwork
decades and gained immense popularity during GreatEmbroidery is a simple form of embroidery, stitched in
Depression, as it was the only method to recycle wornblack thread on white or off-white fabric.
clothing into warm quilts. This embroidery hasCross Stitch
traditionally been sewn together by hand, but with theCross-stitch is a popular form of counted-thread
change in technology and to cash on the benefits ofembroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to
mass production. Patchwork is most often used toform a picture. Cross-stitch is the most popular form
make quilts, but it can also be used to make bags,of hobby embroidery in the western world. It lends
wall-hangings, warm jackets, skirts and other items ofitself well to recreational use, as it is easy to learn and
clothing. Some textile artists work with patchwork,very versatile. Traditionally, cross-stitch was used to
often combining it with embroidery and other forms ofembellish items like dishcloths, household linens, and
stitchery.doilies. Modern cross-stitch designs often make
Knittingextensive use of colours in many shades. When using
Knitting is a craft by which thread or yarn may befine fabric and thread this can create very realistic
turned into cloth. may be done by hand or by machine.effects, almost like paintings, if that is desired.
Flat knitting, which is done on two straight needles,Tapestry
produces a length of cloth, while circular knitting, whichTapestry is woven by hand on a weaving-loom. Most
is done on circular or double-pointed needles, producesweavers use a naturally based warp thread such as
a tube of cloth. Knitted cloth is made out of yarn, alinen or cotton. The weft threads are usually wool or
length of continuous fibres. Yarn for knitting can becotton, but may include silk, gold, silver, or other
made from any number of natural or synthetic fibres.alternatives. is commonly (though incorrectly) applied to
Most knitting needles (also called knitting pins) are long,embroidered items made in canvas work such as
slender sticks with either one or two tapered endsneedlepoint. Canvas work can look very much like
used to hold and bring the working yarn through activetapestry.
stitches.