Whitework
White work is basically done only with one color which is matching to the base fabric. White work is done by using a white thread on a white fabric. It is not that hard as it looks to be and is one of the most inexpensive ways to embroider a fabric.
If you are a beginner to whitework you can start of with the white muslin cloth, which is an inexpensive fabric to work on. But if you are good at whitework you can use fabrics like linen. the other fabrics that you can work on are bastite, organdy, lawn or anything that is white.
Natural fabrics are always easier to work on compared to synthetic fabrics or a blended fabric.
To start with you will need a hoop, a needle and a white thread (the thread could be a 6 strand embroidery thread or a silk one.
Then you can trace the design onto your fabric and the typical stitches used are backstitch, stem stitch, buttonhole stitch and overcast. The design could be from a very intricate one to a very simple one.
Types of white work:
• Mountmellic embroidery is a type of work done in much heavier threads on denim type cotton fabric, originating in Ireland, and used primarily for home furnishings. There was no open work, just heavier designs and sometimes, more complex stitches displaying a beauty all their own.
• Candlewicking embroidery is done by using white heavy cotton threads used for making candle wicks on white cotton fabrics. The stitches mostly used were knots and stem stitch. Many more stitches were added like buttonhole, satin fishbone etc.
Embroidered fabric was washed in hot water to promote shrinking which intensified the shadow look.
White work from India is known as chikankari.
Filed under: Hand Embroidery, embroidery
