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How to Do Candlewicking

Candlewicking is a form if 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.
    Do Candlewicking Step 1.jpg
  2. Lay the muslin on top of the pattern.
    Do Candlewicking Step 2.jpg
  3. Lightly trace the pattern onto your muslin. A light box can make this faster and easier.
    Do Candlewicking Step 3.jpg
  4. Pin the fabric to the pattern to keep it from sliding as you trace.
    Do Candlewicking Step 4.jpg
  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.
    Do Candlewicking Step 5.jpg
  6. Check to be certain that you have transferred the entire Candlewicking pattern to the muslin and haven't missed anything.
    Do Candlewicking Step 6.jpg
  7. Remove the pins and set the pattern aside.
    Do Candlewicking Step 7.jpg
  8. Place the fabric in an embroidery hoop.
    Do Candlewicking Step 8.jpg
  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.
    Do Candlewicking Step 9.jpg
  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.
    Do Candlewicking Step 10.jpg
  11. Systematically work the design - left to right, top to bottom, or whatever to prevent soiling finished areas.
    Do Candlewicking Step 11.jpg
  12. Launder when finished to remove the marker.
    Do Candlewicking Step 12.jpg
  13. Size the finished piece by laying the piece face down on a clean, prewashed white towel and iron it from the back.
    Do Candlewicking Step 13.jpg
  14. "Pat" the fabric with the iron when ironing to avoid damaging the colonial knots.
    Do Candlewicking Step 14.jpg
  15. Finished.
    Do Candlewicking Intro.jpg

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
  • pattern

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