Thread Painting: Embroidery as Fine Art
Have you ever seen an embroidery so realistic it looks like a painting? That's the magic of thread painting, also known as silk shading or needle painting. So many names, one stitch, know as long-and-short stitch. But let’s dive into the world of this beautiful art form!
Thread painting has roots that stretch back centuries: examples of long-and-short stitch were found in Coptic cemeteries in Egypt, date back as far as the 5th century BC.
In England, thread painting was first used in Opus Anglicanum embroidery, a technique used in Medieval period. In Asia, particularly in China, silk shading flourished 5.000-6.000 years ago, producing stunning pieces that often told stories or depicted nature in its most vibrant form. By the 17th century, an increase in trading by the East Indian Company made silks more available and silk shading started to appear in other types of embroidery, like Jacobean crewelwork.
This technique never fails to impress. Its photographic quality makes the subject matter instantly jump onto at you. The thread painting’s secret lies in the subtle shifts of color. Embroiderers use long-and-short stitch, but vary its length and direction to create smooth gradations. Choosing the right colors and strategically placing stitches is key to building dimension and lifelike details.
Your Thread Painting Toolkit:
Fabric: choose something that won't stretch, cotton or linen are great options.
Threads: you can start out using a typical DMC Mouliné embroidery thread, but generally, you should use a single strand thread (the Mouliné has six strands).Using a range of light, medium, and dark shades within a color family allows for smooth blending.
Needle: the thickness will depend on the thread and fabric you choose. I usually use size 10 with a single thread.
Embroidery hoop: there are different hoops and structures to hold your fabric in place while you embroider.
Pattern (Optional): many thread painters use their own designs, but there are also patterns available for beginners.
Ready to Pick Up Your Needle?
Thread painting is a beautiful and rewarding art form. While it takes practice to achieve photorealism, the basic techniques are surprisingly approachable.
So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at what you can create with just a needle and thread!
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