Stitchworm

Grist, Anna - Anna Grist Brazilian Embroidery	Walker, Charlotte - Charlotte Walker Designs		Goff, Deborah - Deb's Brazilian Embroidery Lace Art (D'BELA)
Kelley, Debbie - DK Designs	Freitas, Maria - Edmar		Crawford, Peggy - Flower Garden Designs
Holzberger,Loretta - Loretta's Custom Stitchery		Wakefield, Rosalie - Millifiori

Brazilian embroidery is a type of surface embroidery that uses rayon floss instead of cotton or wool. It is called “Brazilian” embroidery because the use of high-sheen rayon floss in embroidery was first populated in Brazil, where rayon was widely manufactured. Brazilian embroidery patterns usually include flowers formed using both knotted and cast on stitches. Although many of these stitches are used in other forms of embroidery, the technique used to create them is slightly different.

The particular style does not have the “rules” Hardanger Embroidery or Canvas work. The Brazilian embroidery pattern usually outlines the major stitching and features of the design and it is up to the stitcher to fill in areas or make adjustments as he or she sees fit.

Basic Brazilian embroidery uses Milliners needles, Milliner needles tend to be longer than your standard needle, but the critical difference is that the eye us the same size as the needle shaft making it easier to get the specialty stitches to slide off the needle easier.

EdMar has been the leader in Brazilian Embroidery. Below is a condensed version of their Tips for Stitching with Rayon.

1. Rayon threads are to be used as they are, never split the plies.

2. Work with the fabric held taut in a hoop.

3. Strive to use uniform tension to prevent the fabric from puckering.

4. Stitches should be worked clockwise and from left to right. This will keep the thread from unraveling and fraying,

EdMar has provided a very comprehensive section on washing your piece.

1. EdMar rayon threads are colorfast, meaning the color will not fade or change under normal washing, handling, and exposure. However, bleaches, solvents, acids, alkaline substances, and prolonged exposure to sunlight may fade or change certain color.

2. Some colors are more prone to bleeding than others, such as reds, due to the large amount of dye needed to color the thread. Bleeding occurs when excess dye is released from the fiber and drawn onto to the fabric. Excess dye is not permanent and will wash out completely.

3. Wash completed embroidery only, never the skeins by themselves or unfinished projects.

The suggested order for stitching is as follows:

Stems, branches and most leaves are done first. These create the backdrop of your piece. Vary the shapes and colors, just like in nature. Remember there should be more leaves than flowers. Here’s an extra hint, things most often appear in odd numbers in nature. You’ll want to do things in odd clusters like five leaves or three buds. The stitches used are the Stem stitch and various leaf stitches, usually stitched using Iris weight thread.

Flowers are added next usually with Lola or Iris weight thread. Be bold in your choices of color!! Some of the most common stitches for flowers are bullions, cast-on buttonhole, pistol stitch, and French knots.

The fine growth is added last. This is where your individual creativity really comes through as most patterns do not indicate where to add the fine growth. You’ll use the finer threads for the flowers such as Iris and Glory for the couching. Fine growth is needed to complete your pictures, so even though it is not on the pattern, don’t forget to include it!! The stitches used here are couching and French knots or Colonial knots.

Maria Freitas was born and raised in Brazil. She began to learn her needle arts while in school. This was a required curriculum, but one that Maria thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at. In 1967 Maria and her husband moved to the United States, but she didn’t leave her love of needlework in Brazil. In 1979 she and her husband (Edson) started the EdMar Company and she continues to find ways to bring this art form to the public.

Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild, Inc. BDEIG was formed in 1991 as a non-profit organization to promote the art of Brazilian embroidery through seminars, newsletters, website, and workshops and has worldwide membership.

Membership to BDEIG is open to all stitchers, amateur and professional, novice and experienced. The only criteria for membership are a love of Brazilian embroidery and the desire to learn more about this needle art. For complete information on the BDEIG go to http://www.brazilian-dimensional-embroidery.org/

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