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I will soon be starting a crewel project. I've never done one, but will try my hand at it- for better or worse. A tablecloth, then the coordinating napkins.

My question is about the back- more specifically, how are threads anchored? Knotted? How do you hide the knots or do you not worry about it? Should I do the vine parts first and finish with the leaves or berries?

This is the pattern: Pfaltzgraff Winterberry

Oh that's pretty

As far as the ends are concerned, I would just run under a few stitches as in cross stitch. I would think that knots would make it a bit lumpy.

I'm not sure it matters what order you do it in, I think I would do the stems first. Try not to jump from one bit to the next as it will probably show through, and finish your ends under the same colour.

I have always wanted to do a tablecloth, but never got round to it yet.

I've never done crewel but I'm interested to see how you get on with it, so I hope you're able to keep updating on here with how it's going. It's a lovely design.

Is it a strawberry design? it looks very pretty and delicate!

The few bits of crewel work I've done I started with a waste knot -- tie a knot in your thread and go into the fabric from the top a little way away from where you're going to start, and so that you will be working towards the knot. Do your stitches and they will cover the thread at the back of the fabric, anchoring it. Then cut away the knot at the front, close to the fabric.

Good luck!

Thanks ladies- I certainly will keep you updated with my progress. I will need the motivation!
Its not a strawberry design- but more vines with leaves and little red and white berries. And thats what has me worried about how to finish a thread- because the design is so open, there's not much room to hide a knot, or really many places to tuck under and stitch over. I found a link to the actual tablecloth design. I am going to modify it just a bit to add more of the pattern trailing along the edges- I think it looks a little too plain. And I will machine edge the fabric with one of the shades of green to match the edge design on the plates.

From the crewel video someone recommended on You Tube, she did a good job at explaining how to start a thread, but not so much on how to finish it. And since this is a tablecloth, its going to be washed- and dried- many times. I want to make sure those threads are anchored securely- but I also want it to lay nicely on the table. Ugh.. such a dilemma!!

This is why I have been stuck and have not started this project- I cannot wrap my brain around how to actually do it. I have a book on reserve at the library and will chat up the librarian to help me locate an instructional video. I have also found a stitching shop that specializes in needlepoint. I am hoping to get down there in the next few weeks. They have classes on different needlepoint techniques- but no schedule yet for the beginning of the year.. perhaps I can talk them into a crewel class?

I'm doing a crewel right now: Stonewall Cottage from Dimensions. I'm really enjoying it.

I've done a few crewel pieces and I start and finish similar to cross stitch by tucking under previous threads. You may also consider finishing the piece with a backing of some sort as well to hide the threads and protect them (another fabric or interfacing, etc).

I also suggest doing satin stitches first and then stem and back stitching, lazy daisies and french knots. One of my kits had this order and I've stuck to it for my other pieces and have been pretty pleased with it.

Good luck and I must say that I enjoy crewel a lot and hope you do to!!

I think you'll do fine. Cross stitch, crewel, needlepoint, etc. are all embroidery and most likely someone giving classes can also give you pointers on your table cloth.

I tried crewel because my grandmother recommended but she passed away shortly after and I couldn't bring myself to start it and then a half a year or more later I opened up a kit and off I went - just the kit instructions....

If you'd like to try something first, try Learn a Craft kit by Dimensions. They are very small but have most of the different stitches and then you can go straight to your larger design/table cloth...

Just remember to try and if you like it then it's good

Looking forward to seeing your progress. i like the look of crewel work..although I have not tried it yet.

Hello MaggieM1750,

How did your crewel project work out? I have always wanted to try my hand at crewel. It is so beautiful. I just ordered a beginner kit (Jacobean design).

Not many people seem to do crewel I have often wondered why. Is it aptly named. Just wondering . . .

walrus

Currently still dragging my feet- thank you for asking. I have some fabric that I intend to use for tester stitching. I am finishing up making a needlecase.. something I thought I would have finished a few weeks ago. But I must, must, MUST get started on this tablecloth or I will never have it finished in time.

oh my.. started this thread at the end of October.. and started my first stitches last night! It is about time I got to work on this.. found the receipt in the bag, I bought it back in 1999.

I am starting with the straight stitching on the stems. I think it will be best to hide the ends under the solid areas for the leaves and berries. I am currently working on one of the corners.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this! My mother in law has done a few crewel pieces, and they are very lovely.

I love crewel work. Looking forward to photos.

Crewel work is not for me so I admire those who can do it so looking forward to seeing your progress