Using Fabric in Needlepoint

When we think about needlepoint, we generally think about something that’s stitched. But you can incorporate fabric into your needlepoint. It creates a completely different look to your stitching.

Although there are many ways to add fabric to your needlepoint, this article will focus on one that is very easy to do — using sheer fabrics on top of the canvas and stitching through them.

In an older post I talked about different fabrics you could use for needlepoint. The easiest of all of these to use is tulle, also sometimes called illusion. It is a very fine, soft net that comes in many different colors. It also has the huge advantage that it doesn’t ravel, so you can cut it to the size you want.

Types of Tulle

Tulle can be found in three types of packages: yard goods, rounds, and rolls. Yard goods are found on bolts in fabric stores and are sold by the yard. You will use this packaging when you need larger pieces or are working on a bigger canvas. Rounds come in 9″ or 12″ circles and are often used to wrap favors for wedding receptions.They can be found in craft stores in the bridal section. Rolls are about 6″ wide in 25 yard rolls.

Tulle is available made from either nylon or polyester. Polyester tulle is usually softer and stronger. While for us strength isn’t an issue, the higher-quality tulle will be easier to use.

The rounds have the fewest colors (16 on a large craft site). There were 37 colors of tulle on the bolt. Rolls come in many more colors and even come in patterns. On the same site I saw shimmering solids, polka dots in several sizes, glitter, wavy metallics, and even animal prints.

Size Considerations

Because the tulle will need to be basted onto the front of the canvas, you need to take your design’s size into account. The fabric will need to be basted either to the margins of the canvas or inside areas that will be completely covered with stitching. This
must be done so that no raw edges of the fabric show.

That means your choice of tulle will be governed by the size of the area to cover. I like to leave about 1/2″ margin all around for basting.

For rounds of tulle, the area can be up to 11″ in diameter. (For sizes under 8″, use the smaller rounds). For rolls, the canvas can be no more than 5″ in one direction. Tulle on bolts is wider than canvas, so there is no practical limits on size here.

Color & Pattern

Most of the time you will use tulle without a pattern, but if you are using patterned tulle on a larger canvas, you need to be careful. This fabric is almost impossible to match perfectly and any overlaps in it that are exposed will show. If you want to use a patterned tulle either pick a canvas that has the tulle in separated areas, or one that will have solid stitching at least 1/2″ wide between the areas to cover the “seam.”

While not as severe, you will also need to have separated areas or seams of stitching if you are using tulle from rolls on any larger canvas.

Because tulle is a net and thin, it doesn’t have much color when used flat. This is how it got the name “illusion.” Flesh-colored tulle is use for inserts in ballet and figure skating costumes to give the illusion of bare skin in a solid fabric garment.

If you keep this in mind you’ll realize that to build up color in tulle you will need to have multiple layers. The best way to see how many layers are needed is to cut a piece of tulle for an experiment. Lay it onto your canvas in the area where it will be used. If the color is not strong enough fold it and look again. Repeat this process until you are happy with the depth of color. Make a note of the number of layers and baste that many onto your canvas.

Plan First

Using fabrics such as tulle in your background is a technique that benefits from initial planning.

Begin by measuring your canvas or the area to be covered. If it fits into one of the size considerations and the color you want is available, you’re golden. If not, plan your stitching to see if the tulle can be pieced effectively. If it cannot, look to a different fabric or technique.

Decide what areas will be stitched and which will not. Fabric always has an unstitched look and sheer fabrics, such as tulle, are lower than any stitching you might do. This makes them ideal for backgrounds. Because the tulle will be in the background, decide if and how it will be embellished with stitching. As you can see in the picture, below, of the original Colors of Praise canvas, the background is two shades of gold. My plan is to stitch the lighter gold lightly.

Areas of stitching will sit, or appear to sit, on top of the tulle. This will make these elements move forward. The effect is stronger than it would be with other techniques. For most uses of fabric as background this isn’t a problem but be aware of this fact.

Tips for Success

Baste the tulle onto the canvas either in the unworked margins or well within an area that will be completely covered with stitching.

Tulle must be flat throughout the exposed area. Tulle that is loose can either bunch or fold and will be a different color.

If you are using a single layer of tulle, it is almost invisible when seen straight on.

Tulle can be stitched with a regular tapestry needle.

Tulle in a different color than your canvas can be used to modify the canvas color.

If tulle covers the entire canvas stitch the areas that will be solidly stitched first, working from the center out.