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Embroidery is a timeless form of art and crewel embroidery is known for its complex designs and colorful threads. It is a traditional method of embroidery. You can use wool threads and fabric backgrounds to create bright and vibrant pictures. Unlike other forms of embroidery, crewel work is distinguished using a range of stitches to create textured, dimensional elements.
Whether you’re an expert embroiderer or a beginner, crewel embroidery offers unlimited options. Find 50 unique crewel embroidery art ideas, from abstract to modern and from vintage to nature-inspired patterns, to teach creativity and improve needlework.
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What is crewel embroidery?
Crewel embroidery is a simple embroidery stitched with 1-ply or 2-ply wool; its name refers to the type of yarn used, krua, which means wool. Crewelwork is a famous ornamental stitching style that has endured the test of time and continues to inspire artists today. This surface stitching method is almost a thousand years old and is full of history, with the Bayeux Tapestry being the oldest surviving example.
Crewel embroidery, a prominent pre-20th-century craft, became popular in Jacobean England during the 16th and 17th centuries, as the demand for lavish furnishings grew. Crewelwork was traditionally used to embellish cushions, curtains, beds, and wall hangings. It rebounded in the 1960s and 1970s, with colorful flower motifs in oranges, teals, yellows, and purples. Crewel stitching rose to prominence thanks to artists such as Erica Wilson, Mildred J. Davis, and Elsa Williams.
Materials Needed for Crewel Embroidery
If you are planning to start crewel embroidery, you must have needles, fabric, threads, and other materials needed. Here are some of the materials that you need to start your embroidery.
Thread
You need 2-ply crewel wool for embroidery and Appleton’s is the most liked option. This crewel skein Appleton’s wool is 25m and is available in a variety of colors. It has the best quality among all the other threads. A more reasonable option for beginners is crewel cotton embroidery floss. This comparison of wool threads for crewel embroidery is useful.
Needles
For crewel embroidery, you need needles with longer eyes than normal needles used for usual embroidery or stitching. It makes the embroidery easy when you are working with thick yarn. Needles have various sizes ranging from 3 to 9, where lower numbers are thicker and higher numbers are finer. Gold eye embroidery needles is the best option with good reviews and reasonable price.
Fabric
The most used fabric for this embroidery is cotton or linen. Use a high-quality and tightly woven fabric. It will be the best foundation for your embroidery.
Embroidery Hoop
Embroidery hoops keep your fabric tight and help to make the stitching easier for you. It is available in many sizes, typically 6 to 12 inches in diameter. You can choose your hoop size according to your design.
Scissors
For clean cutting and to give a finish to your embroidery you need a scissor. So, choose a small scissor that is designed for embroidery.
Types of stitches
Crewel embroidery is known for its types of stitches. Each type of stitch adds life and detail to the design. With these stitches, you can improve your work and make it visually appealing. So, some of the types of stitches are listed below.
The satin stitch is a basic embroidery technique that fills objects with a smooth, satin-like texture. This stitch is perfect for making strong, bold sections of color in your design, giving your embroidery a polished and professional touch.
The stem stitch, which looks like a twisted rope and is mostly used for stems and borders, is excellent for outlining shapes and generating smooth, curved lines.
The split stitch works well for filling in tight spaces and creating contours because it produces a strong, braided line.
The chain stitch creates a chain-like pattern of looped stitches. It is frequently applied to ornamental features and outlines.
You can use the buttonhole stitch to create edges and a scalloped border.
In filled regions, the long and short stitch helps to create a gradient effect and to create shade.
It consists of tiny, scattered stitches that provide the appearance of texture.
Due to its unique textured look, the fishbone stitch is ideal for producing leaves and feathers.
French knots are frequently used for embellishments like flower centers or eyes and give your stitching dimensional touches.
You can use a herringbone stitch to provide a woven look and ornamental borders.
How is crewel embroidery different from basic embroidery?
The use of wool to generate the stitches distinguishes crewel embroidery from basic embroidery, which usually uses thinner threads made of cotton. For this type of surface embroidery, a wool called crewel is used for embroidery into the cloth. From here, crewel embroidery gets its name.
Crewel Embroidery Art Ideas and Kits
Kits are one of the best methods to learn this amazing and traditional craft. There’s a kit to suit your requirements and interests, whether you’re new to embroidery or interested in the elaborate patterns of Jacobean crewel. We have covered many crewel embroidery kit genres below, including antique crewel, Jacobean crewel, and other beginner-specific kits.
Vintage Crewel Embroidery kits
Vintage crewel embroidery kits will take you on a nostalgic trip through historical designs and styles. These kits frequently have designs with classic color schemes and themes that are representative of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Jacobean crewel Kits
Jacobean crewel embroidery which originated in the early 17th century, is distinguished by its complex, stylized floral motifs and mythological animals. Embroiderers who love complex, elaborate designs will love these kits.
The Galanthus Collector Crewel Embroidery Kit
This advance kit features 6 types of stitches that depict a snowdrop.
This is an experienced-level kit from Needlewoman’s Studio.
Learn to Embroider Journey Kit
Halcyon Day Crewel Embroidery Kits
This kit has 7 stitch techniques for beginners. The recommended hoop for this project are 10 inches.
Grapevine And Pippins Crewel kit
Rosehips Crewel embroidery kit
Red Campion and Daisies Embroidery Kit
Impress with your skills on Elsa Williams Lily’s Bouquet Crewel Embroidery Kit
Botanical embroidered cushion cover kit
Landscape Crewel Embroidery Kit
Heritage range delftware bees and skep kit
Crewel Embroidery patterns
Crewel embroidery patterns are the heart and soul of this ancient craft, with an extensive variety of designs to suit all preferences and skill levels. These patterns allow embroiderers to show their creativity in a variety of ways, from modern and abstract designs to traditional and historical themes. We’ll look at many forms of crewel embroidery patterns, such as classic patterns, contemporary artwork, and themed patterns.
For Beginners
Bluebells Floral Hand Embroidery Kit
Simple Crewel Embroidery Kit for beginners
Lupin Floral Embroidery Design
Summer Sunshine Embroidery Pattern
Modern Kit with Pattern for Beginners
Beginners Cute Owl Embroidery Kit
Beginner Abstract Flower Embroidery Starter kit
Embroidery Hoop Chinese Cherry Blossom
Cacti Plant Embroidery Hoop for Beginners
Turtle and coral crewel embroidery pattern
Clara and the little nutcracker kit
Free Patterns
Teapot Floral Pattern embroidery art to decorate your kitchen.
Multicolour Floral Embroidery Pattern
Crewel embroidery is a unique and classic art form that provides plenty of inspiration for both new and expert stitches. You can opt for traditional flower themes, retro styles, contemporary abstract art, and themed patterns for crewel embroidery art ideas.
Every project you work on is an artistic expression of your own style and commitment. Experimenting with various patterns, stitches, and color palettes may result in gorgeous creations that tell stories, honor traditions, or add happiness and beauty to your daily life. Gather supplies, select a pattern that appeals to you, and dive into the gratifying world of crewel stitching.
Happy Embroidering Crewel Embroidery Art Ideas!
Written by: Alveena Nazir
