Embroidery Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of using a hoop or frame while embroidering?
- To keep fabric taut and prevent puckering (Correct answer)
- To measure the size of the finished design
- To count threads more easily
- To hold needles when not in use
Correct answer: To keep fabric taut and prevent puckering
Hoops and frames keep fabric evenly tensioned so stitches lie flat and the fabric doesn't pucker or distort during stitching.
Question 2: In needlepoint, what term describes stitching over canvas threads in a diagonal direction?
- Tent stitch (Correct answer)
- Brick stitch
- Gobelin stitch
- Florentine stitch
Correct answer: Tent stitch
The tent stitch (including petit point and needlepoint) is the basic diagonal stitch worked over one canvas intersection.
Question 3: What does 'counted embroidery' mean?
- Stitches are placed by counting threads in the ground fabric (Correct answer)
- The number of stitches in a design is pre-counted before starting
- Stitches are counted aloud as they are made
- A specific number of thread strands is always used
Correct answer: Stitches are placed by counting threads in the ground fabric
Counted embroidery techniques like cross stitch and hardanger use the weave of evenweave fabric as a grid, placing stitches by counting threads.
Question 4: Which embroidery stitch is commonly used to create realistic leaf veins or feather shapes?
- Feather stitch (Correct answer)
- Lazy daisy stitch
- French knot
- Running stitch
Correct answer: Feather stitch
Feather stitch creates branching, alternating loops that mimic the natural pattern of feathers and leaf veins.
Question 5: What is 'pulled thread work' and how does it differ from drawn thread work?
- Threads are tightened to create holes without removing them, unlike drawn work where threads are removed (Correct answer)
- Pulled thread work uses metallic thread while drawn thread uses cotton
- Pulled work is done on canvas; drawn work on linen
- They are the same technique with regional name differences
Correct answer: Threads are tightened to create holes without removing them, unlike drawn work where threads are removed
In pulled thread work, stitches are pulled very tight to open holes in the weave; no threads are removed from the fabric.
Question 6: When embroidering on a dark fabric, which method is best for transferring a design?
- Using a light-colored water-soluble pen or chalk transfer (Correct answer)
- Tracing with a pencil directly on the fabric
- Holding fabric to a window to trace in pencil
- Using iron-on transfer paper designed for light fabrics
Correct answer: Using a light-colored water-soluble pen or chalk transfer
Light-colored water-soluble pens or chalk are visible on dark fabric and wash out cleanly after stitching.
Question 7: What is the function of a 'laying tool' in embroidery?
- To keep multiple thread strands smooth and parallel as a stitch is formed (Correct answer)
- To cut threads to equal lengths
- To transfer designs onto fabric
- To press finished embroidery flat
Correct answer: To keep multiple thread strands smooth and parallel as a stitch is formed
A laying tool (stiletto or mellor) is held against the thread as you pull the stitch through, keeping all strands flat and untwisted.
Embroidery Techniques 4
What is the purpose of using a hoop or frame while embroidering?