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Needlework: Textile Arts, Needles, Quilting, Applique And Tatting
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Published: December 10, 2007
Whether it’s a handmade baby quilt given by a grandparent or an afghan to curl up in on the couch, needlework brings comfort to many lives. The benefit of needlework is that both the end product and the process are enjoyable for its participants. Because of its wide range of forms and applications, needlework is a very popular pastime.
Needlework is a broad term used to describe the construction of decorative textile arts. This includes just about any product made with sewing needles, crochet hooks, or tatting shuttles. Needlework can be difficult to define because it can encompass many different activities.
One element of needlework is quilting. Created by hand or with a machine, quilting is a type of sewing that binds three layers of fabric together to create an attractive pattern. Hand quilters commonly utilize a quilting “loop” or frame to make their craft easier. They use their dominant hand to guide each stitch and the opposite hand to the feel for the needle underneath the quilt. Many different stitch patterns are used making this a versatile hobby. For instance, the ditch technique is where the stitching follows the pattern so the seams blend into the blanket. Another common stitching style is the fill technique in which the stitching presses the background fabric together making the pattern stand out. The volume of options available to quilt-makers makes this activity a distinctive creative outlet.
Applique is another form of needlework. Applique is a technique that involves sewing a piece of fabric to a garment or larger fabric for decoration. Many booklets are available that contain dozens of appliqué motifs—similar to stencils—that can be reduced or enlarged on a copy machine if necessary. These motifs can then be traced onto fabric that and be cut out. The cut out piece is pinned to another article and attached using a blind or whip stitch. Whether used for decorating quilts, clothing or other personal items, the appliqué technique offers a personalized touch.
Yet another is type of needlework is tatting. Tatting is an intricate way of sewing lace that can be distinguished by its many loops and curved lines. Small knots are tied on around a center thread, often with the help of a tatting shuttle, a small narrow tool with small holes on both ends. Needles can also be employed when doing this kind of needlework. Because of its portability and the little space it requires, this method is very popular among the textile arts.
Regardless of the type of needlework people most enjoy, this activity provides a unique outlet for creative expression as well as personalized gifts. The many tools and techniques available make this hobby easily accessible. Because of its many benefits, pieces of needlework are common fixtures in many homes.
Sources:
Harmon, Jane. “What is Tatting?” Conjecture Corporation. 2007. 7 Dec. 2007. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tatting.htm.
“Introduction.” eHow. 1999-2007. 13 Dec. 2007. http://www.ehow.com/how_7530_sew-appliqué.h tml.
“Needlework.” Wikipedia. 5 Dec. 2007. 7 Dec. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlework.
“What is Quilting?” QuiltChat.com. 13 Dec. 2006. 7 Dec. 2007. http://www.quiltchat.com/lessons/lesson9.html.
Needlework is a broad term used to describe the construction of decorative textile arts. This includes just about any product made with sewing needles, crochet hooks, or tatting shuttles. Needlework can be difficult to define because it can encompass many different activities.
One element of needlework is quilting. Created by hand or with a machine, quilting is a type of sewing that binds three layers of fabric together to create an attractive pattern. Hand quilters commonly utilize a quilting “loop” or frame to make their craft easier. They use their dominant hand to guide each stitch and the opposite hand to the feel for the needle underneath the quilt. Many different stitch patterns are used making this a versatile hobby. For instance, the ditch technique is where the stitching follows the pattern so the seams blend into the blanket. Another common stitching style is the fill technique in which the stitching presses the background fabric together making the pattern stand out. The volume of options available to quilt-makers makes this activity a distinctive creative outlet.
Applique is another form of needlework. Applique is a technique that involves sewing a piece of fabric to a garment or larger fabric for decoration. Many booklets are available that contain dozens of appliqué motifs—similar to stencils—that can be reduced or enlarged on a copy machine if necessary. These motifs can then be traced onto fabric that and be cut out. The cut out piece is pinned to another article and attached using a blind or whip stitch. Whether used for decorating quilts, clothing or other personal items, the appliqué technique offers a personalized touch.
Yet another is type of needlework is tatting. Tatting is an intricate way of sewing lace that can be distinguished by its many loops and curved lines. Small knots are tied on around a center thread, often with the help of a tatting shuttle, a small narrow tool with small holes on both ends. Needles can also be employed when doing this kind of needlework. Because of its portability and the little space it requires, this method is very popular among the textile arts.
Regardless of the type of needlework people most enjoy, this activity provides a unique outlet for creative expression as well as personalized gifts. The many tools and techniques available make this hobby easily accessible. Because of its many benefits, pieces of needlework are common fixtures in many homes.
Sources:
Harmon, Jane. “What is Tatting?” Conjecture Corporation. 2007. 7 Dec. 2007. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tatting.htm.
“Introduction.” eHow. 1999-2007. 13 Dec. 2007. http://www.ehow.com/how_7530_sew-appliqué.h tml.
“Needlework.” Wikipedia. 5 Dec. 2007. 7 Dec. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needlework.
“What is Quilting?” QuiltChat.com. 13 Dec. 2006. 7 Dec. 2007. http://www.quiltchat.com/lessons/lesson9.html.
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