Monochrome cross-stitch

Monochrome embroidery is often referred to as new types of needlework, as now the paintings in this style fit perfectly into modern interiors. Often these creations carry eccentrism and abstraction, give unique charm even to simple sketches. But in fact, this technique came to us from ancient Egypt and actively developed in the 14-16 c. in England and France.

Today, there are several types of monochrome embroidery:

• contour embroidery
• blackwork (embroidery in black and white with the creation of the illusion of lace)
• monochrome - cross-stitch
• monochrome smooth surface

Monochrome cross-stitch looks the most difficult, but also the most spectacular, as the entire area of ​​the picture is sewn up.

Features of cross stitch technique in monochrome

From the definition of the value "mono" it becomes clear that this style involves one color. Now black and white cross-stitch is very fashionable, or embroidery on a white background with black thread. Such a seemingly simple combination of colors can add a special amount to the picture. It is also possible to shade any other color of the thread with the base color (blue-golden combination, red-black). Also, monochrome embroidery can be created with a palette of 3 to 6 colors. To do this, choose the basic shades and mix the black and white threads in different proportions.

You can also put an emphasis by adding bright detail to the image (eyes, lips).

To achieve maximum results, it is worth considering some features, namely:

• threads must be of high quality and not shed;
• the fabric must be chosen without knots or a defect in color;
• the color of the base should not overshadow the color of the thread;
• all embroidery knots should hide under stitches;
• making out the finished work, it is necessary to leave free space around the contour for a more favorable supply;
• cell marking should be done only with threads, as the marker may leave traces on the fabric.

Now monochrome cross-stitch is very common - a man and a woman. It is simply contour, and can also combine contour embroidery with cross-stitch.

For work are required:

• hoops
• white canvas (density 72 cl. per 10 cm)
• floss black
• embroidery needle
• scheme

The size of the picture will be 26.85 cm * 28.16 cm on 148 * 155 cells

Description of work:

1. The edges of the canvas we trim and insert into the hoop. We carry out marking with threads throughout the fabric of 10 * 10 cells (for convenience in the calculations).
2. Wash hands thoroughly so as not to leave marks on the fabric.
3. To sew according to the scheme with a cross in 2 threads you need to top down. It is important not to leave knots. Close the edges of the threads with stitches (crosses). We fasten the thread on the front side. Also, you do not need to take long threads, as there are small sections, and you should not carry out interceptions (so that they are not visible under the canvas). It is important to monitor the quality of the seamy side. Stitches can only be vertical or horizontal. Otherwise, poor-quality inside out can be enlightened and spoil the image. First, we embroider the required number of lower diagonal stitches, then, moving in the opposite direction, we end the cross with upper diagonal stitches.
4. After embroidering the pattern along the contour, you can emphasize it with several color stitches.
5. The finished work to steam from the wrong side and insert into the frame.

Examples of some schemes and finished products with them

Monochrome embroidery is a very relevant trend in art. With the help of this technique, both homemade items and gift portraits are easily created. There are even programs for creating monochrome schemes of portraits from your photos, for example. This gift will be very original! In the monochrome technique there are more complex styles, but there are those that even a beginning needlewoman will master in a short time (for example, contour embroidery). But in this technique miscalculations are unacceptable, otherwise the contour will be lost.