I was going to blog about Crewel work last week and well, you can see how well that went. I did get many of my crewel work kits on line so that you, dear reader, would have some cool things to inspire you, but actually sitting down and writing just proved impossible, because, as usual, uploading the crewel kits led to uploading Hand dyed Wools and Weavers cloth, which then led to uploading most of the Weeks Dye Works Flosses. OK…I will admit that my thought processes don’t always work in the most normal, linear fashion, but what can I say, I was having an interesting week.

So, here I am trying to find something interesting to say about crewel work that you haven’t heard a thousand times and isn’t just a product placement thing. Really, no one likes the Aditorial, except for Ad execs! All I can say is that Crewel work is my first love in embroidery. Oh, yeah, I have crushes on Stumpwork and Goldwork. I flirt with cross stitch and needlepoint. But there is just something elemental about Crewel embroidery. Linen and wool work so well together and create some magnificent results.

It is unfortunate that current trends in needlework are just working against crewel. I think too many of us have the image of those kits from the 70’s. All that gold and olive thread with big tired-looking sunflowers and sad clowns, just saying “You too can stitch this ugly thing!”. And yet, I know that there were some awesome kits in the 70’s and early 80’s.

How? you ask.

Well, I know because I have examples of my Grandmother’s work. Grandma Louise loved Crewel work, but in her later years had moved away from needle arts. I can only guess why though close to her death it was her eyesight. When I had opened Krazy Kat Fiberhaus, she let me take several of her framed and stitched pieces that she had in storage and use them as models. They were awesome! The color schemes were definitely from those detested decades, but the designs were timeless and her skill impeccable. She really inspired me to look for great designs!

Crewelwork, or Crewel Embroidery, refers to the Crewel, or worsted wool, yarn that is used in the stitching. Traditionally, crewelwork is done with wool on a linen ground. There are several debates going whether linen twill is the only ground for “true” Crewelwork or if any sturdy linen can be used. I won’t go into those. I have seen wonderful pieces done with different linens, but I don’t want to get into the semantics of the whole thing.

I will say that if you are going to use Linen Twill remember that there is a definite right side and wrong side. The right side is the side with the heavier ridges in the weave. The direction of the diagonal lines are another subject of debate, I have heard that the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) certification program requires the diagonal lines to run from the bottom Left to the top right. Which I have been led to believe is opposite the Embroiderer’s Guild of America’s (EGA) master’s program on Crewel Embroidery. Just like in life, folks just can’t agree on anything. But I think we can all say that Crewelwork is a fun and relaxing artform!

This week’s stitch is a stitch used in Cewelwork! Long and Short stitch gets its name from the first row which is worked long and short. The rest of the stitches are long but bob up and down based on where they hit the prior row. It is a wonderful stitch for doing those beautiful shadings!

Diagram for the Long and Short stitch...

My thanks to Carrie Noess for her quick answer to my stupid questions. If anything is wrong, blame me not her;-)

Check out our Wool threads by Rainbow Gallery, Gloriana, and the Gentle Arts. All are appropriate for Crewel work. Or if you need a little more structure, check out our kits by the Crewelwork Co and Tapistree!