Schwalm embroidery bouquet
1st part, the material and the preparation
To realize this project, I chose to work on a classic Schwalm embroidery subject.
It is composed of the main traditional motifs present in this technique, the sun, the heart, the tulip and the basket.
In its most conventional execution, this embroidery is worked in white on a white background. For reasons of better readability of the explanatory images, I have done this work in red on 28-count Italian fabric. I usually work Schwalm embroidery on a thinner fabric (38 counts), but I thought this choice would facilitate the execution of a first realization, if it is your case, as well as the reading of the pictures.
My choice of a two-tone fabric is motivated by two reasons, the first one is because I love this fabric and the second one is because I have the project to realize a cushion with this embroidery and I hope by the use of this particular fabric to give it a contemporary aspect. In addition, the patterns are usually made on plain backgrounds.
This embroidery measures about 15/15 cm, but I used a piece of fabric measuring 42/ 42 cm so I could make a cushion out of it.
The drawing of this project can be downloaded HERE or in the menu “Patterns 2023” of this blog.
In terms of threads, I used #8 Perle cotton, #25 “Broder spécial” cotton and stranded cotton, all in DMC color 815. I also used DMC white lace thread #80 to attach the thread bundles in some designs (explanations will follow…). If you can’t find this lace thread, you can substitute it with a relatively thick cotton sewing thread.
As in any self-respecting antique embroidery, the preparation work is very important, and requires a lot of application and time before the realization of the creative part of the embroidery. It should never be neglected.
Here are the explanations
Start by transferring the design onto the chosen fabric in the way you prefer, carefully respecting the straight line of the fabric.
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The large motifs, of which some threads will be removed and the interiors will be embroidered, are underlined in chain stitch with Perle cotton.
The 2 main stems are made in Palestrina stitch with a Chenille needle n°22 to obtain big knots. The secondary stems are embroidered in stem stitch, all with Perle cotton. The leaves and round motifs are highlighted in split backstitch with the “Broder spécial” cotton.
The basket is bordered in chain stitch with Perle cotton like all the other large patterns.
Coral stitch
The coral stitch is a simple stitch that involves forming simple knots. I have always seen this stitch associated with a chain stitch.
Make the coral stitch on the outside and very close to the chain stitch. The addition of this stitch is absolutely necessary to reinforce the contours of the designs because some threads will be removed in these patterns.
Add coral stitch to the outline of each large design.
Schwalm embroidery bouquet part 3
Schwalm embroidery bouquet 3rd part, the embroidery of the patterns Sun The grid is attached with white DMC n°80 lace thread. It is also possible to use simple sewing thread (cotton) relatively thick. The woven interior of the design is made with DMC "Broder...
Schwalm embroidery bouquet part 2
Schwalm embroidery bouquet 2nd part, the preparation of the patterns To fill the leaves and dots, I did not use stranded cotton because the thread was too thin compared to the fabric and the Palestrina stitch. So I simply filled in the patterns with the "Broder...
Schwalm embroidery bouquet
Schwalm embroidery bouquet 1st part, the material and the preparation To realize this project, I chose to work on a classic Schwalm embroidery subject. It is composed of the main traditional motifs present in this technique, the sun, the heart, the tulip and the...