Crewel embroidery

[kkwalrus]

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone here is well versed in crewel? I am new to it and would love the chance to ask a couple of questions.

Thank you.

walrus

[fzxdoc]

We have several members who do crewelwork, kkwalrus, so ask away!

Kathryn

[kkwalrus]

fxdoc: Thank you for responding to my post & your willingness to assist me.

I know linen twill is commonly used for crewel but it is very expensive. I don't mind paying the price once I am experienced but as a beginner I am looking for a type of fabric that is comparable in weave & weight. I did try working on a clothing linen but holes formed at the edge of the motif. Can you or someone suggest any other types of fabric that would be suitable for crewel work not necessarily for a beginner but in general? Thank you.

[Claudine]

Perhaps you could try using clothing linen, but stabilising it with another fabric, like a fusible interfacing or a lightweight silk?  I did some embroidery resembling crewel a while back on a linen dress.  I can't recall if I stabilized it with anything or not.  Here's a link to some photos:http://couturedetails.blogspot.com/2008/03/shawl-collar-dress.html

[LindaF]

The crewel work I have done has always come in kits.  I'm currently working on stuff from the 80's.  I am replicating a piece I made for my son for my GD.  I have two identical ones to do and a complementary third piece for my DD.

That said, the fabric is not a twill, but a 100$ cotton.  It's not woven too tightly, but evenly. There is also an even weave available I've seen at places like Michaels too.  And I would say that my fabric is probably about that weave.  I haven't looked at the one at Michaels lately, but I think it would work. I would suggest either trying the linen that is use for counted cross stitch or a good 100% cotton fabric.  Kaufman's makes a line that would work well for crewel.  The linen used for CC comes in different stitch counts, so you could go with a denser count.

Also because crewel upholstery is something I have seen made, you could check with an upholstery store for the fabric.  You don't want too heavy of a fabric though.  It may also depend on what your finished piece intends to be and what kind of yarn you are using.

I just did a search for crewel embroidery and I can see why you say twill.  I would try a good quality quilt shop and ask them for Kaufman 100% Kona cotton. I like to touch and feel before I buy, especially if you are looking for a particular type of fabric.  But here is a link to Hancock's.  They carry it.  I personally love Kona cotton.  We ( we being me and DD) have embroidered on it with cotton floss, but I have not tried wool, which then makes it crewel.

Good luck, HTH,
Linda

[fzxdoc]

If you stabilized with fusible interfacing or underlining, it would have to be a not-too-gluey type like Angelweft.  Otherwise it would be hard to get your needle through the glue I would think.

I know that some heirloom sewists love Touch O' Gold interfacing which fuses temporarily and releases with time.

There are also iron-away and tear-away stabilizers that embroidery machine folks use that might work.

I guess you'd have to try a few samples and see what works best for you.

Kathryn

[kkwalrus]

claudine: I was using clothing linen. I don't see how a stabilizer would prevent holes but I will look into it. Thank you.

LindaF: I thought cotton was too light weight to use with crewel wool but will look into it. Perhaps I am using the wrong size needles. I am using #3 for two strands of Appleton Crewel wool & #4 for 1 strand. Appreciate the input.

[Tamara]

I did try working on a clothing linen but holes formed at the edge of the motif

kkwalrus, did you get your holes problem worked out?  I do some crewel work also, and found that when I was stitching my sampler I was able to get wool thru muslin.  One thing that will cause holes at the edges though is if you are pulling your stitches too tightly.  This does happen more so with the yarn than it does with embroidery floss.  I also made a lot of holes when I tried putting the needle where I wanted it to go, without working with the weave..basically just poking holes in the fabric and breaking the woven threads by doing so.  I would suggest maybe loosening the fabric in the hoop just a little, and being very gentle with your stitches.

Tamara

[kkwalrus]

Tamara: Thank you for the suggestions. Changing  the needle size made the difference.