Cross Stitch

Cross

This is one of the simplest stitches.  To ensure that the tension of the fabric is not distorted it is best to complete each cross before moving on to the next, rather than making a series of diagonal stitches and coming back to complete the crosses with diagonal stitches in the opposite direction.

Honeycomb Surface Smocking

Diamond Smocking

Wave Smocking

Couching

Couching This technique allows often thick or sometimes gold threads to be laid onto the surface of the embroidery with a different couching thread stitched in and out of the fabric around the couched thread fastening it on against the surface of the fabric. Extensively used as gold-work in both religious and ceremonial garments this technique can be seen across the collection. 1. The thicker thread is literally laid on top of the base material. 2. Using a finer couching thread bring the needle up just under the thick thread. 3. Take a tiny stitch over the thick thread harnessing it to base material. 4. When the full length of the thick thread is couched down the ends can be pulled through to the back of the work using a darning needle and held in place with a few small stitches.

Laid Work

Couched Couching

Woven Couching

Back Stitch