Embroidery Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'waste knot' used for in embroidery?
- To temporarily anchor thread at the start before it is cut away (Correct answer)
- To permanently secure thread on the back of fabric
- To join two thread colors together
- To mark stitch placement on fabric
Correct answer: To temporarily anchor thread at the start before it is cut away
A waste knot temporarily holds the thread on the fabric front; once surrounding stitches secure the tail, the knot is cut off.
Question 2: In crewel embroidery, what fiber is the thread traditionally made from?
- Wool (Correct answer)
- Silk
- Cotton
- Linen
Correct answer: Wool
Crewel embroidery traditionally uses loosely twisted 2-ply wool thread called crewel wool to create its characteristic textured appearance.
Question 3: Which stitch creates a row of small diagonal stitches that cross each other to form an 'X'?
- Cross stitch (Correct answer)
- Herringbone stitch
- Feather stitch
- Buttonhole stitch
Correct answer: Cross stitch
Cross stitch forms an X shape by working two diagonal stitches over each other, commonly worked on evenweave or Aida fabric.
Question 4: What is 'stumpwork' in embroidery?
- A raised, three-dimensional embroidery technique (Correct answer)
- Embroidery done on tree stumps or bark
- A method of embroidering on canvas
- Flat geometric embroidery from Eastern Europe
Correct answer: A raised, three-dimensional embroidery technique
Stumpwork (raised embroidery) creates three-dimensional effects using padding, wire, and detached stitches that stand away from the fabric.
Question 5: When working satin stitch, how should stitches be placed to avoid a lumpy appearance?
- Lay stitches close together and parallel, without overlapping (Correct answer)
- Stack stitches directly on top of each other
- Angle each stitch slightly differently for variety
- Leave small gaps between each stitch
Correct answer: Lay stitches close together and parallel, without overlapping
Parallel stitches placed closely side by side create smooth, flat satin coverage without ridges or gaps.
Question 6: What is the main difference between stem stitch and outline stitch?
- The thread passes on opposite sides of the needle in each stitch (Correct answer)
- Stem stitch uses thicker thread than outline stitch
- Outline stitch is worked right to left while stem stitch goes left to right
- They are identical stitches with different names
Correct answer: The thread passes on opposite sides of the needle in each stitch
In stem stitch the thread is kept below the needle; in outline stitch the thread is kept above, producing a slightly different twist and appearance.
Question 7: Which embroidery technique uses geometric patterns stitched exclusively in black thread on white or off-white fabric?
- Blackwork (Correct answer)
- Hardanger
- Assisi work
- Bargello
Correct answer: Blackwork
Blackwork is a counted embroidery technique using black thread on white fabric, featuring geometric fill patterns common in Tudor-era England.
Embroidery Techniques 3
What is a 'waste knot' used for in embroidery?