Hardanger is a special type of openwork embroidery that came to us from Scandinavia. This method was named after a bay located in Norway. The technology is based on the creation of various geometric shapes, alternating with each other.
This handicraft method includes Indian and even Egyptian motives. Squares, diamonds and eight-pointed stars are the most popular patterns in this type of embroidery. At first, several centuries ago, hardanger embroidery was used to decorate the Norwegian national costume and everyday clothing. And now, in the 21st century, with the help of it, modern needlewomen create beautiful drawings on their interior items or on the surface of various accessories.
Required tools
To implement this technique, counting is very important, which is why during the creative process only fabric of uniform weaving is used. The optimal basis will be a canvas with a coarse mesh. Very often, material with dissolving threads is used for embroidery. This allows you to create napkins and lace handkerchiefs.
If you have already chosen a certain scheme for yourself, then, as a rule, the parameters of the base should be indicated in it. By purchasing other material not specified in the instructions, the size of the final product will change. It is recommended to give preference to a dense canvas, which has the same number of vertical and horizontal threads. Beginners can use cross-stitch canvas as a reference.
In addition to special fabric, you will need threads that are selected in accordance with the desired pattern. You should also choose threads that are suitable for your warp. For example, beaded threads are ideal for small weaving. And for more work with larger holes, Iris is chosen.
To avoid snags, needles with a blunt tip and a large eye are used. Some needlewomen use a special tapestry needle that does not split the weave of the base material.
Embroidery process
Hardanger embroidery is carried out according to a certain pattern. Each square equals a hole in the canvas surface, and the dash height represents the stitch length. First, the needlewoman begins to work with the edges of her material, gradually moving to the central area.
There are several main types of patterns related to this Scandinavian technology:
- The langet stitch is used to decorate the edging of the material, as well as to add volume to the entire pattern. It is obtained by creating a loop. First, the needle is pushed out on the front side, and then it is threaded through the wrong side. Thus, the edges of the material are neat and graceful.
- Smoothing blocks. They are always sewn in the same direction and do not leave any blank space between the stitches. They got their name because of the similarity in the technology of execution with satin stitch embroidery. It is very important that on the wrong side, the stitches that bind the blocks are clearly under them. Otherwise, you can make the mistake of cutting the working thread when creating the decorative holes. Most often this type is used when processing the edges of the material, inside which the cuts will be made.
- Eyes - a stitch very similar to a star, with a small hole in the middle. Or it is called because of the similarity with the eye with eyelashes. First, the craftswoman embroiders a plus sign, and then a snowflake appears. Handdanger embroidery involves cutting through the fabric. Therefore, it is very important to make the eyes before making such incisions. And a small hole appears inside, which becomes the center of this element.
How cuts are made
In addition to interesting patterns, hardanger embroidery is distinguished by openwork holes that adorn the final product. They will give your work lightness and originality. In order not to spoil the product, you should adhere to the scheme. Otherwise, there is a risk of cutting the working thread that holds the entire ornament.
Use small scissors to make this painstaking process much easier. After cutting, remove the remaining threads with tweezers. This is how they get rid of unnecessary weaving and give the work a finished look. You can also decorate the slots with tatting, simple tying or other interesting stitches.
Important rules
Hardanger embroidery does not imply knots on the seamy side. When ironing, they leave ugly bumps that spoil the whole impression of the product received. To avoid such an unpleasant situation, the working thread is passed under the last stitches. A new thread is also passed through them, and after that the pattern is continued.
Be sure to choose a uniform weave with the same number of squares per cm of fabric. Otherwise, all of your work can be greatly distorted. For example, you wanted to make a square, but you get a rectangle. Be careful and you don't have to redo the work from the beginning.
Hardanger is a special and very beautiful kind of creativity. Many craftswomen see decorations or interior elements created with it, they immediately start looking for beautiful schemes in order to quickly start the creative process. It is a pity that the Internet and special books about needlework contain little useful information about it. You can find a variety of instructions and master this fishnet art on your own. And you will never regret the time and effort spent.
Indeed, as a result, needlewomen get amazing products that amaze with their beauty and uniqueness. Do not be alarmed, because hardanger embroidery seems difficult only at first glance. When you begin to gradually recognize it, you will realize that this technology brings only pleasure and positive emotions. If you like this old type of Scandinavian handicraft, start making your own products into reality. With the help of talent and interesting schemes, the craftswoman will quickly create colorful works and decorate her home with them.