Embroidery on fabric is the most versatile of the top five needlecrafts. It consists of various forms from simple embroidery like cross stitch, crewel work, whitework and blackwork, to more complicated techniques such as openwork, traditional smocking and tambour beadwork to name a few.
Needlepoint in its purest form is simply embroidery on canvas instead of fabric. Simple straight or diagonal needlepoint stitches can create texture as well as pattern when various yarns and specialty needlepoint threads are used.
Quilting was originally invented for practical purposes--to add warmth to bed covers and clothes. In quilting, a soft layer of cotton or other filler fabric is sandwiched between to outer layers of fabric and stitched by hand or machine to keep all fabric layers in place. Over the centuries, this popular needlecraft has produced decorative stitch techniques which have turned function into art.
The applique needlecraft tells a story. It is the technique of stitching pieces of fabric on to a background, either as simple outline shapes or fancy designs that include several pieces. Applique is found mostly on clothing or other items; however when combined with quilting, it tends to enhance the overall look of the finished needlework.
Patchwork is the art of sewing patches or pieces of fabric together. Its origins can be traced back for centuries from bits and scraps of fabric leftover from dressmaking that were pieced together to form a coverlet or garment. Patchwork allows the crafter an opportunity to express his or her creativity and design flair.
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