Needlepoint which has a pile, properly known as Turkeywork is not my favorite needlepoint technique. In fact I didn’t learn how to do it until 10 years ago and still only stitch it occasionally.
There are several ways to stitch Turkeywork. The one I use has a great tutorial on the ANG site as a stitch of the month.
However you get the loops onto the canvas, that’s only the first step (unless you want loops for your final effect). The next step is to cut and trim the loops into sculptured pile.
And for that Jane Wood has just put up a wonderful article on her blog. She talks about how to make the pile, the effects you can get and has fantastic tips for making it all work well.
Thanks Jane!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
My pleasure! TurkeyWORK is work but it is so worth it. I’d encourage folks to try it as it adds a very nice touch to canvases that have fur trim.
Jane/CH