Beginning Crosstitching, Learning How to Candlewick

Candlewicking is documented as beginning with the early settlers' to America, but it is possible that it goes further back than that. Candlewicking gets its name from the contrast created by putting white stitching on a white fabric background. Crosstitching and candlewicking go hand and hand, one of the stitches used for crosstitching is also used in creating candlewick pieces of art.

Before we begin, we will need to gather a list of supplies: unbleached cotton muslin, a small piece for practicing on and a piece large enough for the design chosen, six strand embroidery floss, embroidery needle, straight pins, sharp scissors, candlewick pattern and a washable fabric marker. For a customized, unique look rather than a traditional one, you can select fabric and colored floss that appeals to you.

To begin, we will learn the basic stitches, known as knots, needed to complete your candlewick design. There are two knots that create the desired effect, the french knot and the colonial knot. Most experienced, as well as inexperienced, seamstresses find the french knot the most difficult, you decide which is right for you.

To make the french knot, begin by bringing the threaded needle through the fabric, from back to front. Working from the tip, wrap the thread around the needle several times working up the needle in a spiraling motion. Push the needle back through the fabric, from front to back, in the same place as you came up through. The floss will pass through the wrapped thread, creating the knot. Be sure to keep the thread taut while working and do not pull too tightly when finishing the knot or you will pull the knot through. Practice this knot several times or until you feel completely comfortable performing the stitch.

To make the colonial knot, begin by bringing the threaded needle through the fabric, from back to front. Wind the thread under the needle then over the needle to form a figure eight. Push the needle back through the fabric, from front to back, close to the same place as you came up through, making sure the floss is snug around the needle. Practice makes perfect.

Preparation is the key to successful accomplishment. We will now prepare our materials. First, lay the fabric over the pattern and make sure that it is dark enough to be seen through the material. To darken the pattern, if needed, a felt tip pen works best, if a felt tip pen is not available, a regular pen can be used. Now, center the pattern over the fabric and secure with the straight pins. Use the washable fabric pen to make the dots on the fabric wherever they appear on the pattern. Check and double check that all of the pattern has been transferred, then remove the pins.

Place the fabric in the hoop and thread the needle using six strands of embroidery floss. Tie a knot in the floss and make the first colonial knot, or french knot, using the dots on the fabric as your guide as to where to place the knots. Work in a systematic fashion, such as, from left to right and bottom to top, not tying off after each knot. Tying off after each knot uses more thread than just working from knot to knot.

Upon completion of the design, launder to remove any marker, then iron. To iron, place the candlewick design on a clean, white towel, cover with another piece of fabric. Iron using an up and down motion so the knots will not be damaged.

Candlewicking can be used to make a pillow, quilt, table linen as well as many other articles. Be creative and have fun with your new skill.