Street amenities

What is the most convenient way to embroider on black canvas? Embroidery on black canvas: basics, tricks and tips

Cross stitch patterns on black canvas, unusual in their appearance, allow you to create powerful gifts and simply decorative elements. At first glance, it may seem that the material requires lengthy preparation. In fact, anyone can create an image on canvas. The main thing is to follow a few rules to reduce the number of possible errors.

To begin with, it is necessary to dwell on a number of features that make the dark canvas special in all respects. The first thing that literally catches your eye is fatigue. Due to the physical characteristics of the fabric, the eyes get tired quickly. Short breaks during work will help reduce the load.

In addition to this negative impact on the organ of vision, embroidery on dark canvas has a number of other features:

It is not easy for even an experienced craftswoman to see holes in dark material. Quite often this leads to an uneven distribution of threads on the material.
Dark-colored material collects external pollutants faster. For example, if there is a cat or dog in the house, their fur can spoil the appearance of the work.
The marking process takes more time. In this case, you can only use a fabric marker, otherwise the material will be damaged.

The positive aspects of working with dark canvas include the style of all works. When using it, it is easy to create silhouettes or show the play of light and shadow. This is extremely difficult to do on a traditional canvas. It is recommended to choose dark material only if the person has experience and a truly confident hand.

Stylish cross stitch on black canvas: flowers

To ensure that working with the material does not lead to vision impairment, you need to start by choosing the right lighting. Natural light is ideal for black cross stitch. In this case, it is better to take another lamp.

Even experienced embroiderers need additional lighting. It is installed in such a way that the light falls at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the plane of the canvas.

If it is not possible to find a portable lamp, then a piece of light fabric located under the dark one will help you embroider on a dark canvas.

This will make your work much easier, because flower arrangements include many small details:

Significant and decorative elements of the painting are made using the “” technique;
Work always begins with embroidering the largest element - the bud;
on the canvas in such a way that the outer contour of the flower is always lighter than the inner;
If plants with bright buds are embroidered, for example, poppies, then in this case the artist uses colors with the maximum degree of saturation;
The maximum allowed number of colors and shades is 10 (beginners) and 20+ (professionals);
Aida 16 canvas is used for work;
The optimal number of needles for work is 13-14 and 25.

Creating floral arrangements with a cross stitch on dark fabric is classified as medium difficulty. The recommended size of one composition should not exceed 40x69 cm. If you convert this value into “crosses” that embroiderers can understand, you get 250x425.

Unusual cross stitch: baby on black canvas

To create a composition of this kind, beginners are recommended to take ready-made diagrams. The store's thematic catalog will help you find them. Depending on what kind of baby should appear on the canvas, threads and needles are selected. In this case, it is better to abandon the average version of needles. Use No. 13-14 to create the background and 24-26 to draw small details.

The further procedure is as follows:

You should always start embroidering with the contours of the face;
The space near the face is always lighter than the rest of the work;
As you move to the neck, the thickness of the stitches increases to 2-3 threads;
A similar amount is used for the calf;
When creating work, it is better to avoid fixing the threads on the outside of the canvas using knots.

An elf or other fairy-tale character is embroidered in a similar way, the size of which matches the size of the baby.

Choosing kits for cross stitch on black canvas

Needlewomen who do not want to spend a lot of time searching for the necessary embroidery pattern or base can make their life easier. In this case, kits can help, which are easy to find in theme stores. They already contain all the tools that allow you to immediately get to work. In this case, you need to spend a lot of time studying the description of a single set.

The size of the canvas required to create a specific design must be indicated on the box. In addition, the packaging should contain information about recommended needles.
To create a monochrome cityscape, you will need threads that include several bright shades. The emphasis is on slightly abstract forms, because the city is always on the move.
Fans of silhouettes need to make sure they have the required shades of floss threads. For example, a naked girl sitting on the river bank creates a silhouette. The play of light and shadow will be emphasized by a smooth transition of shades.
The number and type of needles in the set must correspond to the density of the canvas. The higher it is, the smaller the needle number is needed. At the same time, you need to remember that to create decorative elements you will need needles with a number of 23 and above.

Working with black canvas requires more time and a really steady hand. It is necessary to ensure good illumination of the work surface using at least two sources. Only in this case will it be clearly visible where exactly the needle should go. In addition, it is advisable to make sure that the place where you plan to work is clean. Otherwise, the black material will become magnets for dust and fur.

Various cross stitch patterns on black canvas (video)

Details: cross stitch on black canvas with patterns (photo examples)

Many of you have probably tried or want to try embroidering on black canvas. Pictures embroidered on a black background look somehow different, more mysterious and brighter (in my opinion). Here are some examples of the works of our forum members:

Disadvantages of embroidery on black canvas and how to combat them

eyes get tired quickly
markup is bad
holes in the canvas are hard to see
everything sticks to the canvas, especially cat hair

Let's try to figure out how to deal with these disadvantages.

Good lighting

Firstly, it is better to embroider on black canvas in the daytime and in clear weather, i.e. in good natural light. You can embroider in the evening, but then it is better to have a fluorescent lamp nearby.

Marking

To mark the black outline, you can use one of these tools.

White marker

There are special white markers for marking black outline. There are those that disappear on their own after some time, and there are those that are washed off with cold water or steam from an iron.

Before using such markers, be sure to check how it washes off first! There are times when it still remains.

Markers also have a special feature - they appear a couple of minutes after being applied to the fabric.

Crayons or soap

For marking, you can use cutting crayons or regular soap.

When using them, I do not recommend tracing the entire fabric at once, because both soap and crayons tend to crumble.

Thread or fishing line

You can make markings with light threads or thin fishing line, which are pulled out after the work is completed.

No holes visible

There are several ways to “reveal” holes in the canvas.

Using a substrate

You can place white paper or fabric under the fabric, then the holes against its background will become better visible. It will look something like this:

This method is especially good for those who embroider on machines.

Highlighting one hole

You can cover your finger with an adhesive plaster and when embroidering (on a hoop) it will highlight 1-2 holes.

Lighting from below

Some needlewomen place a lamp under the machines so that rays of light break through the fabric.

Using Soap

The fabric can be rubbed with soap, it will turn gray, and the holes will remain dark. The soap crumbles well when working and will not spoil the paintings.

Wool and other debris

The problem of sticking pet hair and other debris is solved quite simply. You can remove them from the canvas with a sticky clothes brush or regular tape.

We hope our tips will help you simplify the process of embroidering on black canvas, and you will create more than one masterpiece!

Cross stitch not only serves as decoration, it helps to create unique pictures and scenes, and can serve as a practical element. Thanks to the possibility of dyeing the canvas, you can embroider even on dark fabrics. Embroidery patterns on black canvas are made with light threads to create contrast and the elements are clearly visible.

Creating metrics

Embroidering stories with babies is popular and in demand, because along with a beautiful story you can combine inscriptions and the date of birth. Metrics are made on canvas of the author's color; dark tones are also popular because they add clarity to a small picture and enhance the brightness of the threads.

Baby embroidery patterns on black canvas can be of different sizes and complexity. For a dark base, it is better to select simple subjects so as not to make mistakes during the work process. On black material, details are visible better than on a light background, so some contours may not be outlined. Metrics allow you to combine important information with a beautiful picture or create your own story using proprietary diagrams.

Character image

In addition to various subjects and small paintings, amulets and geometric symbols can also be applied to a dark base. Each nation has its own embroidery attributes and distinctive features.

The Slavs love to perform protective elements together with ordinary plots, thus conveying magical overtones and an energetic message. For women, amulets are embroidered with bright red threads; you can add yellow shades or dark green crosses. These colors imply vital energy and strength, the desire to develop and give continuation of life.

For men, talismans are embroidered with dark threads, but they may not be visible on a black background. Therefore, the standard white color is used in combination with red, which for the stronger sex symbolizes power and might. Cross stitch patterns on black canvas can combine not only plots, but also symbolic elements, due to which the pictures will be varied and interesting.

Magical subtext

Embroidery is considered not only a type of needlework, but also has a hidden meaning, so it can attract not only positive emotions, but also new people into life. For example, paired subjects (a man and a woman, animals or repeating symbols) can attract a soul mate or give love to a lonely embroiderer.

Although there is no big difference on what background it is performed on, light or dark, the latter base is more popular, since the combination of a black base and light threads is filled with magical power at a certain period. Thus, handicrafts on a waxing moon can bring success and fulfillment of desires.

For those craftswomen who wanted to get a solution to the problem in housing topics, the solution is considered to be embroidering the outline of a house or lighthouse, which promises a quick solution to the problem and getting what you want. An embroidery pattern on black canvas for a male or female amulet, made on a new moon, is considered a powerful protection against evil forces.

Flower symbolism

Embroidery of plants involves the presence of different shades and most often these are color paintings, but against a dark background they look brighter and richer, more voluminous and detailed. To attract love into life, craftswomen advise making poppies or peonies; it is desirable that the buds are large and beautiful.

If a woman wants to enhance beauty and harmony with nature, to emphasize her inner world, then embroidery patterns on black canvas with images of roses are used. For a dark background, a picture of a white flower or several buds in different shades would be ideal.

To increase confidence and gain opportunities for self-realization, it is recommended to embroider lilies of the valley or irises in purple tones. When making bouquets, you need to pay attention to the combination of different shades of flowers, so as not to harm yourself with the wrong selection.

Selection of materials

For a dark base, both cotton threads and thick woolen yarn are suitable. The latter conveys volume well and adds pomp to the details. Some craftswomen combine cotton and wool threads to create an interesting picture. But it is better not to do this unless necessary, since alternating flat and convex crosses is not always beneficial.

It is better to use wool threads on black canvas so that the plot does not look flat. As for the material, such a base for embroidery is better suited than linen or homespun fabric of the same color. It will be difficult to see the holes on them and work in the evening.

It is much easier to make a mistake on a black base than on a regular light background, especially if the process is performed in dark shades. Therefore, craftswomen, in addition to the standard set of canvas and threads, also recommend buying a special marker to draw squares for work and monitor the progress of work.

For a long time I have been looking at orchids from the blackGolden Kite yf xthyj canvas. I even prepared the fabric) But recently I decided to embroider biscorn on black canvas. I read a lot about it, and decided to make markings for convenience, even though the pattern is small. And my fears were immediately confirmed. The canvas cells were practically invisible. As a result, having embroidered a small crooked pattern, I decided to write this article.

The main problems encountered when embroidering on black canvas:
1. The canvas cells are not visible, it is difficult to count the cells. As a result, the embroidery speed decreases.
2. Eyes get tired quickly.
3. When embroidering with light threads, for example white, the outline can sometimes show through. If you do not want this, it is recommended to increase the number of threads. For example, if you embroidered with two, take three.
4. Colors that look bright on a white canvas may seem dull and get lost when embroidered on a black one.
5. You need to be careful when washing, as the fabric may fade.
6. Dust and hair from pets, if any, are very visible on the black canvas. In general, this can be easily solved with the help of an adhesive brush for clothes or regular tape.
7. When decorating the work, if the bottom of the frame on which the embroidery will be attached is light, then it can glow through the embroidery. To avoid this, you can put a sheet of black cardboard the size of the picture. (If the picture is blue or green, then blue or green, respectively).

What you can do to make your work easier:
1. It is best to embroider in good daylight. The cells of the canvas will be better visible and your eyes will be less tired.
2. Use additional lighting sources.
3. Even if the pattern is small and not complex, if there are no markings on the canvas, it is better to make one to avoid mistakes.
4. To make the cells of the canvas easier to see, you can place a white sheet or a towel on your knees under the embroidery. Then the holes will shine through the canvas.
5. As an option, some embroiderers stick a white patch on their finger, but I find it inconvenient to embroider with it.
6. You can put a lamp under the frame or hoop from below, and the holes in the canvas will shine. There are even special light tablets for sale for these purposes. After reading about them I decided to experiment. I first took the phone, then a larger tablet and turned on the flashlight so that the entire screen shone evenly. It turned out to be more convenient than a lamp.
7. But besides this, there is another way to make working with black canvas easier, which I really liked. I rubbed the canvas with soap. It immediately became easier to count cells. The top of the canvas became white and the cells remained black. And the soap washes off easily and does not damage the fabric.

Black outline markings.
I would also like to say a few words about the marking of the black canvas. For marking you can use:
1. Special water-soluble markers. True, they appear a few minutes after application, which is not very convenient. But I never use markers to mark the entire outline, at most I can mark something, for example, the borders of embroidery. There is always a possibility, especially during a long embroidery process, that the marker will not wash off. It can easily wash off right away, but after six months it no longer does. Not often, but such cases do happen. The likelihood that it will not wash off increases greatly on dyed fabrics. The marker reacts with the dye of the fabric and does not wash off. If you still decide to use a marker for marking, then first check on a piece of canvas that it dissolves easily with water. And in the future, try to dissolve it after embroidering every page or two. This can be done using a foam sponge without removing the embroidery from the frame or hoop. And when using a water-soluble marker, do not iron the canvas. The result will be the same, the marker may not come off. It is also not recommended to leave the marked canvas in the sun.
2. Special water-soluble pencils for fabric. First of all, light colors such as white. The same thing, do not iron the canvas when using it, and do not leave the marked fabric in the sun.
3. The canvas is also marked with a piece of soap. Or tailor's chalk. The soap washes off easily.
4. Some people mark the outline using a regular pencil. They write that the markings are clearly visible. But don’t forget that the kprandash cannot be washed off. And what if the stitching is not flat, then the markings will remain visible. In addition, a pencil can stain the threads when embroidering, especially light colors.

If the work will take more than one month, it is not recommended to mark out all the work at once. Both the marker and the soap and pencil can fade, blur, or rub off.

5. Marking with threads. The thread should be light, thin and strong. Regular thread will not work. It can be pierced through with a needle and sewn on, which will complicate its further removal from the embroidery. There is a special monofilament. This is a very thin, synthetic thread. There are also special water-soluble threads for marking. They dissolve in water during washing. Silk threads or thin fishing line are also often used.
I didn’t immediately understand that it was MONO thread that was needed. Monofilament means that the thread consists of one thread that cannot be divided into parts. It is impossible to pierce it through with a needle and sew it on, which in the future will make it difficult or even impossible to remove. If you make markings not with monofilament, but with regular thread, then when embroidering it is better not to sew it up, but this is inconvenient, otherwise it will be difficult to remove. When marking with monofilament or thin fishing line, it can be sewn up; it can be pulled out very easily, but it is difficult to secure the ends to the fabric.

I don't like marking. A marker may be more convenient, but I'm afraid it may not come off.
The threads take a long time, and sewing with such markings is inconvenient. However, when I made the markings, I stopped at the threads.

Washing and ironing black canvas.

Black canvas can be of poor quality and sometimes fade. Therefore, before starting embroidery, it is recommended to check whether it is fading. You can wash a piece of canvas. Or you can take a white thread, it’s better to fold it in half or three. Moisten it with water and iron it on a piece of canvas. If the canvas fades, the thread will turn black. In this case, it is better to replace it.
Before ironing, if you used a water-soluble marker, be sure to wash the embroidery first. And only then iron it. If this is not done, the marker may react with the canvas paint and not wash off.
The embroidery can be washed with warm water without using caustic detergents. I usually use regular soap. After washing, I dry the work and then iron it. If there is a distortion in the work, then while the work is wet you can try to pull it in the desired direction of the threads, and fix the result when ironing.

Pictures embroidered on colored canvas have a special look. They are bright and mysterious. Every craftswoman, having mastered the basics of traditional needlework techniques, would like to try something unusual. Embroidery on pre-prepared black canvas is an original technique. How to work with it so as not to spoil your eyesight and have fun?

Experienced craftswomen consider cross stitch on black, decorated canvas to be the pinnacle of craftsmanship. This is true. Embroidery on a dark background is difficult and requires patience.

But works embroidered on a black background look unusual and can decorate any interior with their presence.

Choose the right base size.

Experts advise sticking to size 16, figuratively speaking, the “golden mean” when choosing a foundation. When working, the squares are carefully filled with threads; gaps between the cells are not needed.

To apply the diagram, it is convenient to draw an outline.

On a light base, the pattern is applied traditionally - using fabric markers or chemical pencils. It is impossible to draw a noticeable sketch on a black canvas.

There is a way out. Mark the squares using white thread placed with basting stitches in the desired places. As the embroidery progresses, the thread is pulled out.

This method is convenient because there is no need to stain the canvas with chalk or pencil. And a disappearing marker can leave an “indelible mark.” This will spoil the appearance of the product.

If the background of the painting is black, then there is no need to sew it.

This also applies to the stitches indicated in the diagram with black thread. Black embroidery on a black base is not needed.

Embroidery on a black, pre-prepared canvas should be carried out sequentially.

Here it is unacceptable to work in parts, jumping from one fragment to another. It is recommended to start work from the corner, gradually moving towards the center of the picture. Professionals recommend moving from the top left corner.

We choose the embroidery technique as desired. A half-cross is good for saving working material. The black background hides stitching imperfections and the work will look great.
When working with a black base, no hoop is used. Unraveling deforms the material, the embroidery stretches and loses its “marketable” appearance.

Embroidery machines are acceptable for use. But a number of conditions must be met. It is important to stretch the fabric onto the machine without folding, to its full size. Sew the edges of the base to the machine with threads, being careful not to stretch the canvas. The machine model also needs to be taken into account, because Not all samples are suitable.

To work with a black base, you need to use a backlight.

This could be a special lamp that illuminates the bottom of the canvas. Or we buy a magnifying glass - a ruler that is very loved by needlewomen for its ease of use and functionality. It makes the holes on the canvas more visible, which makes the embroidery process much easier.

These light tablets appeared specifically for those who like to embroider on black material. The glowing box is easy to use and saves energy. Gives soft diffused light and does not harm vision.

The floss, which seemed juicy when working with a traditional base, becomes lost and fades against a black background. What to do?

We select brighter shades and maximum thread thickness. The canvas should not show through the embroidery.
Hairs, dust particles and other debris are clearly visible against a dark background. Dirt sticks to it a lot. Protect your work from contamination, put unfinished embroidery under a white cloth or wrap it in wrapping paper. If dust still sticks, use a special roller to clean clothes.

If you are going to frame your finished work, it would be a good idea to place a black sheet of paper on the reverse side. This will make the work look brighter and will mask the holes in the canvas.

Master class on cross-stitching paintings on black canvas with detailed photos

Materials for work:

Black canvas No. 16;
Embroidery needle with blunt tip;
Colored threads;
Scheme;
The lamp is a tablet for comfortable work.

Procedure:

We conditionally divide the picture into two parts: upper and lower. We clearly calculate where the first stitch will be laid. It is better to do it in the area of the tip of the rose stem. Next we will move down towards the tool.

We embroider the plot from left to right. First we sew the top part, then move to the bottom of the fabric. All crosses are laid in the same direction.

When the upper part of the canvas is sewn, we begin designing the neck of the violin. Do not apply the crosses tightly; the painting may become deformed.

We embroider the shadow falling from the rose last. The shadow will make the painting more natural, bringing it closer to an oil painting. It is important to choose the right color scheme here.

After completing the work, wash the fabric in cool water, dry it with a towel and steam it with a hot iron. Embroidered work cannot be ironed. We take it to the workshop and order a suitable frame. The painting is ready, we look for a suitable place, hang the canvas and enjoy the work of art.

You can use any blanks for embroidery.

Paintings with graphic images of a city at night look impressive:

And the Panna company offers to sew a whole series of hieroglyphs on a black background. Each one carries a magical meaning:

Bamboo – health;
Pisces - luck and prosperity;
Lotus – beauty and harmony;
Hummingbird - fulfillment of desires and joy in life.
Cranes - fidelity in love.
Peony – love and happy marriage;
Orchid - the birth of a new life;
The bee is a symbol of wisdom and hard work;
Chrysanthemum is a symbol of nobility and high status;
Phoenix is a symbol of glory and success.

As you can see, there are many themes for embroidery on black material; the finished works look unusual and very impressive. Don't be afraid to choose a dark background as the basis for your work. A little practice, patience and desire - and everything will work out.