Needlework "How to's" on the Web

1. Counted Thread

(a.) cross stitch

long arm cross stitch
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/cross-longarm.html
and
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/98-09.htm

equal armed cross stitch (modern)
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/cross.html
and
http://www.anniesattic.com/cross-stitch/content.html?content_id=95
has a QuickTime movie of basic cross stitch on aida cloth

upright cross stitch

double-sided cross stitch

(b.) Assisi work

http://www.crossstitch.about.com/hobbies/crossstitch/cs/styleassisi/
And don't miss the page on Assisi Work in our own Articles section.

(c.) counted-thread blackwork

Not all blackwork is black. Not all blackwork is reversible. Not all blackwork uses counted thread stitches.

Reversible counted thread blackwork utilizes double running stitch, also called called Holbein stitch.

Non-reversible counted thread blackwork utilizes double running stitch and back stitch.

Non-reversible non-counted thread blackwork utilizes basics stitches such as back stitch, stem stitch, split stitch, and other surface stiches.

Blackwork Embroidery Archives - Besides information on stitches, this site includes patterns created by the site owner, not necessarily period in style.
http://www.blackworkarchives.com/

Blackwork Gallery - has links to art and objects
http://www.larsdatter.com/blackwork.htm

(d.) pattern darning

Know of a web site with directions on how to do period style pattern darning?
Please, send it to the Guild Minister

2. Canvas Work ("needlepoint")

(a.) tent stitch

horizontal tent stitch, continental stitch
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/98-02.htm

diagonal tent stitch

basketweave stitch
http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/98-03.htm

petit point tent stitch

(b.) cross stitch on canvas

Within the time period covered by the SCA, cross stitch on canvas with wool was primarily long arm cross stitch.

 

(c.) brick stitch

http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/98-05.htm

(d.) upright (Gobelin) stitch

http://www.needlepoint.org/StitchOfTheMonth/98-04.htm

(e.) satin stitch

3. Whitework

Terminology used in books and by embroidery teachers is not always completely consistent. The terms "drawn thread" and "pulled thread" are often used to mean both types of work. In one, the embroidery stitches pull or draw threads together, leaving small holes in the fabric. In the other, specific groups of threads are snipped and actually pulled or withdrawn from the fabric and stitches are worked over the loose threads remaining in the weave.

(a.) drawn thread

(b.) pulled thread

(c.) cutwork

(d.) Buratto work

(e.) Reticella or Italian cutwork

4. Metal Thread

Beginner's Guide to Goldwork

(a.) surface couching

http://www.kipar.org/baroque-costumes/costumes_embroidery.html

(b.) or nué

(c.) bullion work

http://www.kipar.org/baroque-costumes/costumes_embroidery.html

(d.) underside couching

http://www.kipar.org/baroque-costumes/costumes_embroidery.html

5. Surface Embroidery

For basics, refer to the Johanna site - it will be hard to go wrong with the stitches there. We also have a number of pages in our Articles section with more information on historically used stitches.

(a.) basic embroidery

stem stitch
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/stem.html

couching stitch
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/couching.html

backstich
http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/Back-stitch.html

satin stitch
looking for a good link

seed stitch / seeding
looking for a good link

(b.) laid work

Perhaps the best known example of historic embroidery using this stitch is the Bayeaux tapestry.

http://www.regia.org/embroid.htm

(c.) beadwork

http://www.medievalbeads.com/

(d.) split stitch (including shading)

http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/split.html

(e.) raised work

6. Stitched Fabric

I have not been able to find sites about period styles of these techniques. The sites listed below are purely for technique. Consult a Guild Mentor for information about period examples of these techniques.

(a.) quilting

(b.) trapunto

http://merryrose.atlantia.sca.org/archive/1997-01jan/msg00154.html
a message in the Atlantia arts and sciences arts list archive about period Trapunto.

http://www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/art/htmls/ks_tech_t.html
While this shows 19th c. quilt style, it includes photos of the technique in process.

(c.) smocking

(d.) appliqué