Despite its catchy name, crewel, a form of surface embroidery, is not uncommon. Dating back centuries, this traditional style of embroidery is associated with large, bold designs and the wool yarns used to create them.
In the old days, crewel appeared in tapestries, curtains and even clothing. These days, this type of embroidery is sometimes framed as art or embroidered on cushions.
What is the difference in Crewel embroidery?
When it comes to different styles of embroidery, it is often the traditional motif or the stitch itself that makes the style unique. The different threads and materials make a huge difference as well. True Crewel embroidery uses his two-ply wool thread called crewel, hence the name for the embroidery.
Crewel embroidery material
Thread
Finding the right yarn is a good starting point, as the wool yarn is what Crewel is made of.
Crewel wool is most often labeled as such, mostly his 2-ply, but sometimes 1-ply. Unlike traditional cotton embroidery thread, this thread does not separate and is much finer than tapestry wool.
If you’re lucky and have your own craft shop in your area, they may have one of many brands in stock, including Appleton wool from the UK. Also, you can find many options on the internet. Mixing different brands will give the stitches a different texture. This is great if that’s what you want, otherwise stick with your favorite brand for the project.
Material
Linen and linen twill are the most common fabrics for circular embroidery. These fabrics have a tight weave that holds the stitches in place while being open enough to allow larger circular threads to pass through. It is also a strong fabric on which all wool stitches are based. Crewel may be characterized only by wool yarn, but there are various fabrics, so if you want to try different materials, please try it! Whatever you choose, do a few tests with the yarn before deciding on the type of fabric.
Needle
Crewel needles have large eyes and sharp points. Crewel can see through the thickness of his wool even when doing multiple tasks at once. The sharp tip helps not only through the fabric, but also to pierce the wool from the previous stitch.
These are usually the called Crewel embroidery needles along with other embroidery needles.
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Crewel Embroidery Stitches
Stitch
You can use your favorite circular embroidery stitch. Wool thread adds thickness and texture to your stitches, so play around with your stitch selection.
Crewel designs often feature cubic elements, and padded satin stitching works well for this. Laydown stitching is also preferred for crewel work.
In the example above, long and short stitches are used on the central trunk, chain stitches on the leaves, and stem stitches on the veins. However, you can work with multiple thicknesses to use more cover (and less stitches!).
There are many patterns designed specifically for circular embroidery, but patterns for standard surface embroidery can also be used.
If you choose a pattern that is not suitable for Crewel, keep in mind that the thickness of the wool thread will make the stitches thicker and not always finer. Large fill patterns are perfect for Crewel!
Crewel embroidery is indeed tricky but it is just so adorable and unique. This embroidery is like a complete creativity test that puts every single material and stitches to the creativity test. Every designs, material and even brands can make the work so much extraordinary.
