Do Candlewicking

Candlewicking is a form of embroidery done with heavy thread on muslin. It is considered "traditional" because it uses an old technique called the "colonial knot".

Steps

1. Cut a piece of the muslin large enough for your selected design.
2. Lay the muslin on top of the pattern.
3. Lightly trace the pattern onto your muslin. A light box can make this faster and easier.
4. Pin the fabric to the pattern to keep it from sliding as you trace.
5. Use a washable marker to make small dots to indicate the placement of the colonial knots and any other embroidery stitches used in the design.
6. Check to be certain that you have transferred the entire Candlewicking pattern to the muslin and haven't missed anything.
7. Remove the pins and set the pattern aside.
8. Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop.
9. Thread the embroidery needle with 4 strands of Candlewicking thread or 6-12 strands of embroidery floss. The amount of floss you use will determine how large your colonial knots will be.
10. Tie a knot in the thread or floss and stitch your first colonial knot. If this is your first Candlewicking design, practice making colonial knots on a small piece of muslin before you begin.
11. Systematically work the design - left to right, top to bottom, or whatever to prevent soiling finished areas.
12. Launder when finished to remove the marker.
13. Size the finished piece by laying the piece face down on a clean, prewashed white towel and iron it from the back.
14. "Pat" the fabric with the iron when ironing to avoid damaging the colonial knots.
15. Finished.

Things You'll Need

• Medium to heavy weight unbleached cotton muslin
• Candlewicking thread (substitute cream colored six-strand embroidery thread if need be.)
• A large sharp embroidery needle
• Washable fabric marker
• Straight pins
• A pattern

Related Articles

• Sew a Colonial Knot Embroidery Stitch
• Embroider
• Wash Embroideries Before Framing
• Braid Stitch
• Sew Chain Stitch
• Transfer a Rug Hooking Pattern with Tulle

See also

• Hook a Rug
• Spin Wool
• Finger Knit
• Sew Chain Stitch
• Stitch Plastic Canvas
• Choose Embroidery Fabric
• Make Silk, Satin or Ribbon Roses
• Needle Felt
• Make a Pom Pom
• Make Tassels

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What links here

• Sew a Colonial Knot Embroidery Stitch