C is for Candlewick
Candlewicking is one of my favorite embroidery stitches found in the BERNINA Embroidery Software. Traditionally, the term comes from the use of cotton candle wicks used as embroidery threads (rather than being dipped in wax to make candles). As thread was in short supply, candle wicks were used to create decorative embroidery stitches, usually including French or Colonial Knots.
The candlewicking stitch created by an embroidery machine tends to be quite thread intensive, basically creating “knots” on the surface of the background fabric by overlapping multiple stitches in a circle. The time it takes to create these stitches is definitely worthwhile as the results can be spectacular.
[300x246]Stitched on a BERNINA 830
featuring AURIfil Cotton Mako 50 wt thread
and the Silk Hearts Silk Collection
One of my favorite ways to use candlewicking stitches is as an outline to an embroidered appliqué shape – especially when using two different thread colors and alternating the colors around the shape. Variegated threads can also give spectacular results when used for candlewicking stitches.
[300x267]Stitched on a BERNINA 880
featuring AURIfil Cotton Mako 50wt thread
from the Heather Feather Border Collection
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
What I love about this collection… The Hearts collection was the 3rd design collection published by Sarah Vedeler Designs. The original Hearts quilt featured batiks in blues, purples, greens and splashes of red. The Silk Hearts Quilt was a huge learning experience for me and gave me the opportunity to create a silk fabric collection and a coordinating AURIfil thread collection. In the past when I was traveling to teach, it was always such a joy to walk into a store and see a Silk Hearts Quilt hanging on the wall, saying “We’re so excited that Sarah is coming to visit!”
[300x300]Stitched on a BERNINA 830
featuring AURIfil Cotton Mako 50 wt thread
[400x400]Stitched on a BERNINA 830
featuring the AURIfil Silk Hearts Thread Collection
and the Silk Hearts Silk Collection
