Download Article
Download Article
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
Download Article
-
Cut a piece of the muslin large enough for your selected design.
-
Lay the muslin on top of the pattern.Advertisement
-
Lightly trace the pattern onto your muslin. A light box can make this faster and easier.
-
Pin the fabric to the pattern to keep it from sliding as you trace.
-
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.
-
Check to be certain that you have transferred the entire Candlewicking pattern to the muslin and haven't missed anything.
-
Remove the pins and set the pattern aside.
-
Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop.
-
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. [1] X Research source
-
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. [2] X Research source
-
Systematically work the design - left to right, top to bottom, or whatever to prevent soiling finished areas. [3] X Research source
-
Launder when finished to remove the marker.
-
Size the finished piece by laying the piece face down on a clean, prewashed white towel and iron it from the back.
-
"Pat" the fabric with the iron when ironing to avoid damaging the colonial knots.
-
Finished.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionIs there a backing I could place behind the stitching to protect it and cover the appearence?Community AnswerI iron a Pellon type fabric onto the back of my work. This keeps threads in place and makes for a more finished piece.
-
QuestionWhat size thread is candlewicking thread?Community AnswerThe size of the thread is usually 3.541 mm.
-
QuestionHow do I do the knots? Is there a specific way?BellaLovesToBake1122Community AnswerThere is not a specific way. One way is to go back to your previous stitch and go underneath it. You made a loop; go under the loop and you've got a knot. To double knot just repeat this process.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 130,615 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Very clear, visual, step-by-step instructions."
Advertisement
83%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"Very clear, visual, step-by-step instructions."
