Thread painting, commonly known as needle painting or silk shading, is a unique embroidery technique that employs long and short stitches to create exquisite works of art on fabric. Despite the simple nature of the stitches, this technique can be a challenging but rewarding skill to master.

How to do blanket stitch. Versatile and decorative, the blanket stitch has a rich history, but is still popular today in both freestyle and counted embroidery techniques. Its beauty lies in its ability to be used in a variety of ways. You can create neat edges or add creative flair to your work by placing the stitches wherever you like.

The third fire screen was my favourite! It appeared to be worked in either brick stitch, long and short stitch or couching. Maybe even a combination of all three. I do apologize for the reflection of the lamp in the top corner of the photograph. The Dolls' House Room at Wallington Northumberland

By alternating long and short stitches, you can create a beautiful, textured effect - like the lush grass in the photo above, achieved by mixing strands of different coloured crewel wool in the needle. I worked the longer stitches over 4 canvas threads and the shorter stitches over two. Double Parisian stitch

Chair and stool covers were worked in cross stitch, and needlepoint stitches known as petit point and gros point. Both men's and women's costumes were decorated with sprigs and borders, finely embroidered flowers and leaves, often with the addition of metal threads. These were usually worked in satin stitch or long and short stitch.

Your finished cross stitch piece; Foam core board; Steel rule and craft knife; Brass pins; A suitable frame (and mat if desired) NOTE: Please do not substitute sticky matt board for the foam core. It tends to turn the fabric yellow after time. I learned this to my cost after framing my first few cross stitch projects this way.

Long threads might seem efficient, but they're more likely to twist and knot as you stitch. Keep your thread between 12 to 15 inches - this length gives you enough to work with while staying manageable. Thread conditioner offers additional protection against tangles. This helpful product: Reduces friction; Controls static; Smooths the thread's ...

This forms a short horizontal stitch on the back of the work. Take the needle back down at 6, on the same invisible line as point 3. This time, taking a slightly sloping horizontal stitch on the back between points 6 and 7, bring the needle back to the front of the work.

Check the wraps will make a long enough bullion by placing the needle along the stitch path. If you are satisfied, use your thumb and index finger to ease the needle through the thread wraps and gently pull the needle free until the knot sits on top of the fabric.

It's pretty amazing how a simple stitch inspired by a fish skeleton has become such a timeless pattern. A Type of Crossed Stitch. Herringbone stitch is part of the surface embroidery stitch family, specifically falling under the category of crossed stitches. However, it can also be worked by counting the fabric threads.