Other designs

Here you will find Mabel's designs in techniques other than Hardanger. They have been divided into Counted Embroidery and Freestyle Embroidery

Counted embroidery, also known as counted-thread embroidery, covers all types of needlework in which the stitcher counts fabric threads in order to place the stitches. It includes cross stitch, blackwork, tapestry, Assisi, Florentine work and many more. These techniques are generally worked on evenweave fabric (e.g. linen, Lugana or Aida) or canvas with clearly defined holes. Counted designs are usually worked from a chart.

In freestyle embroidery, also known as free or surface embroidery, the design is generally transferred onto a solid fabric such as silk or a high-count plainweave or evenweave, and the stitches are worked based on the transfer (covering lines, filling shapes, etc.) The transfer may be very detailed or show only the main lines of the design. There is usually a diagram of the design indicating which stitches are to be used where.

Please note that our chart packs are digital and will be emailed to you in PDF format. Click here for some practical points about chart packs, materials etc. before you start browsing.

• Chart packs include a colour photograph of the finished design, a chart (Counted) or a design for transfer (Freestyle), a list of the materials needed to complete it (often with suggestions for alternative versions), instructions and custom-made stitch diagrams.
• Because the choice of fabric is left to you, the size of counted designs is given as their stitch count, that is to say how many stitches high and wide it is. To work out how large the design will be on your chosen fabric, divide the stitch count by the "count" of your fabric (i.e. the number of threads it has per inch). For example, a design 80 stitches square stitched on 25ct fabric will be 80/25 = 3 ¹/₅". The size of freestyle designs is given in centimetres, but most designs can be enlarged or reduced before transferring to the fabric if desired.
• Although the catalogue doesn't give a full list of the materials needed, it will mention any speciality threads or other non-standard materials used. If you have trouble locating a supplier for any of them, do let us know and we'll do our best to help you find one.
• Many of the designs include speciality stitches, e.g. lazy daisy, chain stitch, French knot and buttonhole stitch. These are explained in the instructions, with stitch diagrams if necessary.