Add Dimension And Personality To Your Embroidery
by: Rose Lenk
One
of the best ways that you can personalize your embroidery and make it
stand out among others is to add dimension to your technique. Dimension
in embroidery brings your piece to life and adds style, personality,
and a 3-D quality that is uniquely your own.
And
contrary to what you may think, adding dimension does not require
intricate and complicated stitching such as stumpwork or other
techniques used in dimensional embroidery. If you can embroider, you
can add dimension to your work with just a few simple techniques.
Here's how:
Use
different thread weights. Using multiple weights of thread will give
your embroidered piece dimension and depth that cannot be achieved with
patterns using all the same thread weight. A heavier weight thread
results in denser embroidery and shadows, where a lighter weight thread
results in a light, delicate pattern. By blending these two together,
you can add dimension without leaving your canvas. While it may sound
simple, it can take a few tries to find the perfect harmony between
your threads so that the embroidery will look natural.
Use
different colors of thread to create shadow. Three-dimensional images
have shadows, and one of the best ways that you can make your
embroidery seem three dimensional is to embroider shadows into your
design. You can do this by selecting darker shades of the color of
thread that you are using and graduating the darker colors on your
embroidery to create the effect of natural shadow. For lighter colors,
you can use two to three darker, graduated colors; for darker colors,
you can use up to five darker shades of graduation. Practice using
these darker shades on your sampler until you achieve a natural looking
shadow. It may take a few tries, but once you get the hang of it, you
will acquire an eye for placing the shadows perfectly.
Use textured threads. Wool threads, pearl threads and silk threads all
achieve a different result when used in embroidery. By combining
several different textures into your embroidery, you can easily achieve
a dimensional image. For example: light, airy threads would be ideal
for delicate patterns such as flowers, whereas coarse, textured threads
would be ideal for creating structures such as buildings and houses.
In
addition to these simple ways to add dimension to your embroidery, you
can also use different stitches to create different effects. By closely
matching your stitching style to the type of image that you want to
create for each aspect of your piece, you can add a great deal of
texture and dimension.
Don't be afraid to incorporate several different types of stitching, threads
and patterns to achieve the desired result. By using more variations,
you will create an embroidered design that is uniquely your own and
full of dimension. The best pieces trick the eye and give the viewer a
little surprise of detail each time they see it.
