Untitled Woman

Properties & Qualities

Application

Art, Other

Qualities

3D, Colourful, Textured / tactile

Colour

Blue, Metallic, White

Sample Information

Date of creation

05/14/2021

Dimensions

(w) 42cm (h) 49cm (d) 4cm

Weight

2.2kg

Culture & Context

According to the Textile Research Center, there is evidence that Needle Punch embroidery may have possibly originated in several countries. They also state that the type of Needle Punch embroidery I do is sometimes referred to as Russian punch needlework in the US.From personal experience, I’ve found a lot of people use this technique to make rugs or other soft furnishings. It probably wouldn’t be the best technique to use on clothing as it really needs glue or a sealant to keep it from unraveling. When I started Needle Punch I’d already been doing embroidery for several years and I wanted to give it a go as a new artistic medium. The main benefit to needle punch is that it’s a lot faster than traditional embroidery and I find the final effect is a lot more expressive. Source: here

Process & Production

I start by tracing my design onto the fabric, and then I mount the fabric onto my frame making sure that the tension is tight. Then using a Bead needle (think two pieces of very thin metal joined at the top and bottom) I thread the needle punch. I do this by pulling the thread through the hollow center of the needle from the bottom and then going out through the small eye under the tip. With 6-thread embroidery floss, you can divide the amount of thread you want depending on the width you want for your stitches. The next step is to start pushing the punch through the fabric pushing the thread through the first time, you then continue to pierce the fabric close to the last hole creating the stitches on the front. Unlike regular embroidery where your needle is going back to front, the needle stays at the front, meaning you are more restricted in how you move, needing to put your stitches one after the other or else it will show on the design. When you’re done you cut off your final stitch from the back, then using some glue you seal the design to the fabric.

Recipe Details

This piece was created on Calico, using a size 12 Needle-punch needle, embrodiery floss and Gouache for the eyes and metalic detail. This piece was created using a square Embroidery frame . I like DMC Satin floss for a slightly shiney finish, but any thread will do. I then hold the design down on the back using glue.

To place my design onto the fabric I use water soluble markers and a lightbox, although a window with lots of light will do.