Candlewicking and embroidery

Candlewicking embroidery dates to colonial times in the United States.  Why is it called "candlewicking?"  The stitcher, looking for a heavy thread, simply sewed a running stitch using the unwaxed thread used for candle wicks to get the characteristic raised or embossed look.  If the stitches are cut, the style is called "tufting" and looks rather like chenille (not the soft French chenille used in tapestries - think about that bedspread your grandmother had with the white design all it lumpy stitches!)  The picture above has a candlewick border all around the color pansy, although it's a bit hard to see.  Click for a bigger version.

Mix candlewicking in white with traditional embroidery for a stunning modern effect. It looks almost embossed.  Janlynn has introducted a nice line of candlewicking kits.  Visit them at www.janlynn.com and make sure to follow the links through the needlework lines.  We can order Janlynn kits even if we don't stock them regularly. Our usual discount applies, but allow an extra 2-3 weeks delivery time.

Embroidery kits may include a bit of candlewicking, and some candlewicking kits will include a bit of embroidery, especially satin stitch. Candamar has a great line of little kits like the Pansy, above, that mix the styles in case you just want to try a little.  There are 6 of them, visible from our shopping pages.

Traditional embroidery is gaining interest this year.  It's more free-form and less precise than counted cross stitch, which has a very rigid look about it.  And you can use more different stiches, such as the lazy daisy, chain stitch, satin stitch, outline, and more.  If you're worried about covering an entire piece in embroidery, consider one of the embellished cross stitch designs.  Look for one that has some extra embroidery and not just cross stitch on it.  Candamar makes some of these.   Janlynn has a really nice line of very traditional embroidery designs featuring birds, animals and flowers.

Right now we don't carry any supplies for candlewicking - just the kits. But let us know if you're interested, and we'll look into it.

  Shop for Candlewicking Kits

Free candlewick cat pattern

See this kit in our collection.

Other Forms of Embroidery

 Hardanger 

Crewel Embroidery