Pulled Thread Embroidery: Stitches, Techniques & Over 140 Exquisite Designs

Also known as 'counted thread openwork' or 'drawn fabric embroidery', this beautiful whitework technique is achieved by simply pulling on the threads of the fabric, without cutting or drawing them. It is worked on loosely woven fabrics using a fine tapestry needle, and involves accurately counting the threads to create intricate, geometric designs. Pulled thread embroidery is well suited to modern-day decorative use, either on its own or combined with other techniques such as hand embroidery, patchwork and quilting. Create gorgeous, delicate edgings for table linen, or beautifully simple yet intricate designs for cushion covers, lampshades or purses. With clear instructions, stitch diagrams, charts and photographs for over 140 stunning designs, plus inspiring photographs of finished pieces, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this exquisite form of openwork embroidery.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION The Basic Stitches 15 SATIN STITCH 16 Pulled satin stitch and damask stitch 17 Variations 36 Diagonal pulled satin stitch 54 FOUR-SIDED STITCH 58 Straight four-sided stitch 59 Variation 66 Diagonal four-sided stitch 68 WAVE STITCH 72 Straight wave stitch 73 Specific case: chain stitch 78 Diagonal wave stitch 81 ZIGZAG STITCH 86 Straight zigzag stitch 87 Faggot stitch 90 Double faggot stitch 98 DIAGONAL DRAWN FILLING 104 or half diagonal four-sided stitch CROSS STITCH 110 Upright cross stitch 111 Ordinary cross stitch 115 COMPOSITE FILLINGS 121 Index of fillings 141 Biography 143 Bibliography & Resources 144

About the Author :
Marie-Helene Jeanneau learnt to embroider as a young child, then later in life, in the 1970s, she developed her interest in the textile arts. As she explored the world of textiles, she was increasingly drawn to embroidery and the endless possibilities it allowed in terms of the interplay of design, texture and materials. During the course of her work she came across pulled threadwork, and began to explore this technique from a contemporary angle. By the late 1980s embroidery had become her full-time pursuit. She began to create her own collections and exclusive designs for a range of items including children's accessories and household linen. In 2008 she began to design pulled thread embroidery patterns, as well as offering courses and internships in embroidery. By seeking inspiration from multiple sources, she gave traditional techniques a modern twist, creating fresh, new designs to embellish everyday objects. Sadly, Marie-Helene died in 2018, just before the publication of the original French edition.

Review :
Create beautiful edgings for table linen, or simple yet intricate designs for cushion covers, lampshades, or purses. There are inspiring photos, clear instructions, stitch diagrams and charts for over 140 designs. This book is invaluable for anyone interested in exquisite openwork embroidery. The charts are clearly drawn, and the images are very well photographed, something which is not easy to do with whitework! Suggestions for the best way to work the stitches are carefully explained. At the start of each chapter is a photograph of an item that uses the stitches in the following sections. These, too, are beautifully photographed, so well that it is almost possible to work out the details of the pattern from the photograph alone.  The effects produced by the various stitches are lovely, and the ways of adapting them by altering the thread, or by the spacing of stitching, and by working the stitch in different directions, are mind-blowing in their variety. The cover boasts over 140 different stitches, but when you take account of the variations of thread and spacing, there are in fact many more.  [...]  As a reference book of ideas to use in your own designs, this book is a treasure for anyone interested in pulled thread work. It is certainly very welcome addition to my bookshelves - except that it will probably not be on the actual shelves much - it is far too useful to remain in its allotted place for long! This is a great book.  I love the cover of the book; the design is exquisite makes me eager to want to open the book. The cover insert and products are very appealing visually and I love the different stitch techniques illustrated on this page. The introduction explains pulled thread embroidery in simple terms and the origins of the craft was fascinating to read. It’s user friendly for crafters of all abilities and the explanation of materials useful and clearly explained. The Staircase stitch is stunning and I love the cross stitch design. Traditionalists will love learning how to work ‘counted thread openwork’ or ‘drawn fabric embroidery’. A whitework technique which complements cross stitching, you can also use it on its own. There are over 240 designs included, such as delicate edgings for table linen, or beautiful designs for cushion covers, lampshades or purses. There are also clear instructions, stitch diagrams, charts and photos for every project.