Embroidery Basic Embroidery 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which fabric is generally considered the best choice for a beginner learning hand embroidery?
- Stretchy knit jersey
- Loosely woven burlap
- Plain-weave cotton or linen (Correct answer)
- Sheer chiffon
Correct answer: Plain-weave cotton or linen
Plain-weave cotton or linen is stable, easy to hoop, and allows needles to pass through smoothly, making it ideal for beginners.
Question 2: What does the term 'grounding' mean in the context of embroidery floss?
- Securing the floss to an electrical ground to prevent static
- Stitching a base layer that other stitches build upon
- Washing the floss before use to remove excess dye (Correct answer)
- Cutting floss into standard working lengths
Correct answer: Washing the floss before use to remove excess dye
Grounding (or pre-washing) floss removes excess dye that could bleed onto the fabric when the finished piece is washed.
Question 3: How is a French knot traditionally formed?
- By looping thread through a small bead
- By wrapping thread around the needle before inserting it back into fabric (Correct answer)
- By pulling a loop through from the back and securing it
- By tying thread directly on the fabric surface
Correct answer: By wrapping thread around the needle before inserting it back into fabric
A French knot is made by wrapping the thread around the needle one or more times and inserting the needle back into the fabric close to where it emerged.
Question 4: What is the recommended maximum working length of embroidery floss to prevent tangling?
- 6 inches
- 18 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- 54 inches
Correct answer: 18 inches
Keeping thread lengths to about 18 inches reduces tangling and knotting while stitching.
Question 5: Which stitch creates an 'X' shape and is the basis of cross-stitch embroidery?
- Running stitch
- Backstitch
- Cross stitch (Correct answer)
- Chain stitch
Correct answer: Cross stitch
The cross stitch is formed by two diagonal stitches crossing each other to create an X, and it is the foundational stitch of cross-stitch embroidery.
Question 6: What is the term for the small loop that forms when the needle exits the fabric too far from where it entered on a satin stitch?
- Float (Correct answer)
- Couching
- Pull
- Padding
Correct answer: Float
A float is an undesirable long stitch on the back or a gap on the front caused by the needle exiting too far from its entry point.
Question 7: In embroidery, what is 'aida cloth' most commonly used for?
- Free-form crewel work
- Cross-stitch due to its even grid of holes (Correct answer)
- Silk ribbon embroidery
- Goldwork embroidery
Correct answer: Cross-stitch due to its even grid of holes
Aida cloth has an even-weave grid structure with clearly defined holes that make it perfect for counted cross-stitch.
Embroidery Basic Embroidery 3
Which fabric is generally considered the best choice for a beginner learning hand embroidery?