Free Schwalm Tutorial
Written And Designed By Janet M. McDonald Davies - New Zealand
Schwalm is a German hand made embroidery, found as early as the 17th century. The traditional style of embroidery is easily recognised by the profuse use of hearts and tulips with scalloped edges. Also there are cut and pulled lace-like fillings inside some of the design shapes. Woven Borders feature at times in traditional designs. This embroidery style could be found on clothing and table clothes and runners.
Many everyday embroidery stitches are used e.g. Buttonhole, Coral Knot, Chain, Herringbone and a variation on Pulled Thread fillings in a cut grid of fabric threads etc. A Crewel needle (sharp point) is used for stitching the design lines and surface stitching. For the actual Pulled Thread stitching, a Tapestry needle (blunt point) is best, as this helps not to catch a fabric thread when stitching.
Traditionally close even weave linen fabric was used. But today a variety a linen and viscose fabric are used (#28 count or more). #28, means there are 28 fabric threads in an inch measurement. Also referred to as "28 count" fabric.
Traditionally linen threads were used. The most popular threads used today are Pearl 8 Cottons, Cotton a Broder and Stranded Cottons. A splash of Metallic, Silk and Rayon threads can be used. Why not add some beads if the mood takes you there. www.jmddesigns.co.nz
Traditionally white thread on white fabric was used. Today colours are also in use. I personally do not like too many colours in one design, as it takes away the purity of the design. I think that keeping with monotone colours for stitching the pulled fillings suits this embroidery style best. For if the pathway of the pulled stitching is highlighted to much against the colour of the fabric, the lacy overall look of the stitched pattern can be lost. But now I've just said that, doesn't the photo below using the yellow, green and pink look great :)
Many everyday embroidery stitches are used e.g. Buttonhole, Coral Knot, Chain, Herringbone and a variation on Pulled Thread fillings in a cut grid of fabric threads etc. A Crewel needle (sharp point) is used for stitching the design lines and surface stitching. For the actual Pulled Thread stitching, a Tapestry needle (blunt point) is best, as this helps not to catch a fabric thread when stitching.
Traditionally close even weave linen fabric was used. But today a variety a linen and viscose fabric are used (#28 count or more). #28, means there are 28 fabric threads in an inch measurement. Also referred to as "28 count" fabric.
Traditionally linen threads were used. The most popular threads used today are Pearl 8 Cottons, Cotton a Broder and Stranded Cottons. A splash of Metallic, Silk and Rayon threads can be used. Why not add some beads if the mood takes you there. www.jmddesigns.co.nz
Traditionally white thread on white fabric was used. Today colours are also in use. I personally do not like too many colours in one design, as it takes away the purity of the design. I think that keeping with monotone colours for stitching the pulled fillings suits this embroidery style best. For if the pathway of the pulled stitching is highlighted to much against the colour of the fabric, the lacy overall look of the stitched pattern can be lost. But now I've just said that, doesn't the photo below using the yellow, green and pink look great :)
Birds on Urn
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 14 x 16 cm (5 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 14 x 16 cm (5 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Floral Dance
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 19.5 cm (7 ¾ inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 19.5 cm (7 ¾ inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Tulip Devotion
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design without the border is 9.5 cm (3 1/2 inches). This design with the border is 11.5 cm (4 1/2 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design without the border is 9.5 cm (3 1/2 inches). This design with the border is 11.5 cm (4 1/2 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Pomegranate Love
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design without the border is 9.5 cm (3 1/2 inches). This design with the border is 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design without the border is 9.5 cm (3 1/2 inches). This design with the border is 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Family Circle
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 19.5 cm (7 ¾ inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Three different cut and pulled thread fillings are used in this Schwalm design. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design pictured is 19.5 cm (7 ¾ inches).
click here to purchase this individual design
Tree of Life
One of the designs they used in this style was a 'tree of life' as pictured above. Depicting facets that make life.... The urn; something to grow from. Sustenance; the pomegranate to eat. Love; the heart. Sun; warmth and promoting growth. Birds; originally they stitched crows but in the last century the dove of peace has become more popular. Some of the design areas have grids cut from the fabric weave and have Woven or Pulled Thread stitching. Design size 18 x 20cm. (7 x 8 inches)
One of the designs they used in this style was a 'tree of life' as pictured above. Depicting facets that make life.... The urn; something to grow from. Sustenance; the pomegranate to eat. Love; the heart. Sun; warmth and promoting growth. Birds; originally they stitched crows but in the last century the dove of peace has become more popular. Some of the design areas have grids cut from the fabric weave and have Woven or Pulled Thread stitching. Design size 18 x 20cm. (7 x 8 inches)
Eva Owl
Contemporary Schwalm Needlework. The Owl is 13cm (5 inches) tall. The centre heart shape has a grid of threads removed and then a woven pattern stitched in among the grid. In the eyes a fabric grid is cut and then pulled thread pattern stitched. Pearl 8 and 6 stranded cotton was used.
click here to purchase this individual design
Contemporary Schwalm Needlework. The Owl is 13cm (5 inches) tall. The centre heart shape has a grid of threads removed and then a woven pattern stitched in among the grid. In the eyes a fabric grid is cut and then pulled thread pattern stitched. Pearl 8 and 6 stranded cotton was used.
click here to purchase this individual design
Laura's Butterfly
Two different filings are used in this contemporary design, but an option of 6 different cut and pulled fillings are offered that could be used inside the design elements. This design could be picture framed or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. Enlarge or reduce the designs to suit your own needs. An even weave fabric must be used and suggestions are given. This design is featured in Janet's book. This design pictured is 32 x 23cm (13 x 9 inches).
Two different filings are used in this contemporary design, but an option of 6 different cut and pulled fillings are offered that could be used inside the design elements. This design could be picture framed or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. Enlarge or reduce the designs to suit your own needs. An even weave fabric must be used and suggestions are given. This design is featured in Janet's book. This design pictured is 32 x 23cm (13 x 9 inches).
Liam's Owl
Two different filings are used in this contemporary design, but an option of 6 different cut and pulled fillings are given that could be used inside the design elements. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design is featured in Janet's book. This design pictured is 18 x 17cm (7 x 6 3/4 inches). click here to purchase this individual design
Two different filings are used in this contemporary design, but an option of 6 different cut and pulled fillings are given that could be used inside the design elements. This design could be framed as a picture or placed on the front of a bag, photo album cover or cushion etc. This design is featured in Janet's book. This design pictured is 18 x 17cm (7 x 6 3/4 inches). click here to purchase this individual design
Needlecase Cover
Traditional Schwalm design, but stitched with Pearl Cottons and Stranded Cottons in colours. Design size, 15cm (6 inches)
Traditional Schwalm design, but stitched with Pearl Cottons and Stranded Cottons in colours. Design size, 15cm (6 inches)
All design photos have been
designed and stitched by Janet M. McDonald -Davies This page is not to be copied or cut and pasted into other websites. Links to this website are more than welcome. Click for top of page |