Counted Thread Embroidery

Most types of embroidery both modern and historical are based upon the counted-thread technique of embroidery. Counted-thread embroidery is completed on even-weave fabric. Even-weave means that there are an equal number of threads running horizontally and vertically throughout the fabric. (Needlepoint, however, is worked on an open-weave canvas using yarn.)

A counted-thread pattern is very simple to follow. The pattern will normally be on a squared grid, and lines, shapes or colours will depict where you have to make each stitch. You have to count across the threads to find the exact position of each stitch (hence the name, counted-thread), but it is very easy to follow, that even a complete embroidery beginner will be able to master it with ease.

Below is an example of a counted-thread pattern, along with a completed example of the finished piece in Blackwork.

                    

(This picture is a free example, you can use at home, click for the larger image and print.)

When you buy a commercial counted-thread embroidery pattern, it will come with instructions telling you what other supplies you need to purchase. But if the piece doesn’t come with instructions you’ll need to calculate how much fabric you’ll need to complete the piece, the last thing you want is to find out that you didn’t buy a large enough piece of fabric. Even-weave fabrics, used for counted-thread embroidery will come with a thread count, this can range from 6 right up to 36 (maybe higher in some cases). The simplest way to work out what you need is with a little maths. The thread count of a fabric will tell you how many threads there are per-inch; each square represents one thread on a pattern, so for example, if you want to use 14 count Aida fabric for a Cross-Stitch pattern, 14 threads will fit into one inch, so divide the number of small squares by 14 horizontally, and you’ll have your fabric width in inches, do the same vertically and you’ll have your fabric height in inches. Or, say I have a pattern, there are 200 small squares across, and 500 small squares high, this would mean I would need a piece of 14 count Aida measuring 14.28 inches across and 35.71 inches high. However, as with all embroidery projects, you’ll need to add a good three inches on to each of those measurements for mounting or finishing the project at the end. Do this for whatever count of fabric you intend on using, remember, the higher the count the smaller the finished project will be.

You can very easily create your own counted-thread embroidery patterns, which can let you explore your creative side, if you’re interested in the software available for you PC, please see the page on creating Blackwork patterns (the same principles apply for all counted-thread embroidery techniques). However, for those of you more comfortable with a piece of paper and a pencil, there is nothing to stop you from creating your own patterns.

To create your own counted-thread embroidery patterns, you will need:

Some graph paper (available in pad form, or as a download from the Internet).

A ruler.
A pencil.
Some colouring pencils (if you intend to add colour).
An eraser.
And some reference material.

This is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before. Using your graph paper and pencil, draw your picture or image, using your reference material as a guide (if you want you can trace the image onto the paper). Only draw this first image gently as you’ll need to erase it shortly, and don’t worry about the lines. Next you need to draw around the image, getting as close to the original lines as possible, but you’ll want to draw on the lines of the graph paper (as you’ll have severe problems creating a curved line using any counted-thread embroidery technique), it’s your choice if you use small diagonal lines or not. Often diagonal lines will make a curve seem more true, however, if you are filling that area with colour, you may not be able to get it exact, it’s your choice. Once you’ve marked all the guide lines correctly onto the graph paper, you need to add your details. For example, if you are shading in a flower to be used with cross stitch, you’ll need to colour in each square roughly to the correct shade of the guide picture. Or if you are filling the shape with Blackwork, you’ll need to fill the darker areas with denser Blackwork stitching.

And that is it. Basically three steps, draw your picture using reference material, correct the lines to fit the graph lines (and squares), and then fill in the details with colour or shading. And your new (and individual) counted-thread embroidery pattern is ready for use. If you’re feeling really adventurous you could try taking a photo of something you love and make that into a counted-thread embroidery pattern.