This style was invented by folk craftswomen, as well as many different embroidery technologies with their own previous history and the unique meaning of each technique. This is a French heritage that combines diverse methods and methods of fine and elegant needlework. Provence embroidery is done with cross stitch, satin stitch or other embroidery technique.
The magnificence of the technical schemes used to create unsurpassed beauty is marked by simplicity. The Provençal style looks original on tablecloths, shirt collars, blouses, and bed linen.
The paintings created with this creative technique fascinate with their simple, minimalist splendor. They differ in that they are created on natural basis, conveying to the created masterpiece a certain forgotten charm.
You can embroider products using the method described above, either by hand or using a machine.
Characteristics of embroidery
Specificity is expressed by the use of discreet, rich color range. The predominant threads are those colored snow-white, light green, and lilac.
Ornaments, as a rule, are full of reproductions of various herbaceous and flowering plants. The paintings embody natural phenomena: sun, field, rain, garden, sea.
To perform the work only use natural materials: cotton, linen, calico. Provence combines cross stitch, satin ribbons and irresistible cutwork.
Let's try to recreate this style.
Cutwork embroidery
The process of creating cutwork is a lace and sophisticated creation used to decorate tablecloths, bed linen, and clothing details.
For execution creative work we need materials:
- cotton, satin, silky or linen fabric material(a clear pattern will be visible on such material);
- threads matching the shade;
- darning needle;
- scissors.
She is marked by carvings, plant origin, drawings covered with thread.
Making products using the cutwork technique involves selecting patterns of simple geometric and floral lines. The elements of the picture are located in contact with some parts with the possibility of creating brids, spiders or a mesh.
The labor-intensive process begins with applying the prepared design to the material; the contours prepared for embroidery are indicated by a compacted outline.
- Next, the transferred pattern is stitched “forward with a needle.” The seams are made in two rows: the second stitch is sewn with a gap smaller than the upcoming loop stitch.
- After the completed manipulations, breeding is performed. The working thread is laid in the center between the basted rows to the part where the jumper begins.
- Next, the thread is pulled to the opposite rapport on top of the warp, which is cut out after the procedure is completed. The thread is secured between the bastings and the original position is returned. The brids are sewn with a loop stitch.
- When the jumpers are finished, the edge is sewn tightly with a buttonhole stitch. Important! The loops are directed in the direction where the fabric will be cut. The design can be further decorated with an unusual herringbone stitch.
- The finished product is washed and ironed from the inside out. Next, places under the jumpers are cut out, creating openwork patterns.
The composition in the cutwork style is unusual, high-quality and attracts the admiring glances of art lovers.
Tablecloth with satin ribbons
This technique looks very impressive when working with silk ribbons.
Necessary materials:
- Blank canvas, plain colors
- Satin ribbons
- Scissors
- Tapestry needles of different sizes
- Bobbin threads
- Tape measure
- Ornament scheme
- Hoop
- Tracing paper
- Lighter
Embroidery will be carried out along different edges of the created tablecloth. Let's look at how this happens step by step.
- We measure 13 centimeters on all sides and mark the center
- The prepared drawing diagram is applied to the base
- We fix it. Using tracing paper, transfer to the tablecloth
- The workpiece is placed in the hoop
- The edge of the ribbon is cut at an angle
- To prevent unraveling, the edges of the ribbon strip are burned with a lighter.
- The straight tip of the ribbon is folded into two folds and threaded through the eye of the needle.
Let's start creating a delicate lavender flower.
Delicate lavender
Lavender – beautiful, delicate small flowers with a pleasant alluring aroma. It is most suitable for idealizing the described French technology. The painting is made using a “stitch” seam, another name is “. This way the flower will look alive.
Offered for study detailed description rules of creative sewing:
- The needle with the inserted tape is brought out onto the face.
- The ribbon on the front side is wrapped once with a ribbon and brought out to the wrong side. Input and output must be at a short distance.
- We start with the buds, gradually moving down.
- It should be fixed on the wrong side.
- Lavender can be embroidered in one color or in several matching shades. There should be a soft and gradual transition between the selected colors.
- It is better to embroider the base of the buds with floss or knitting fiber. The work starts from the inside out. After pulling the thread through front side, a loop is left. The fiber is passed through a prepared loop. This is how fastening occurs, and a knot is obtained.
- The stems are embroidered with large stitches. The seams lie diagonally, which is similar to the natural beauty of the stems. To make the lavender leaves look more natural, the ribbon does not twist.
- The needle is brought out onto the face.
- The tape lies along the entire length of the leaf. At the end the ribbon is turned over to achieve acute angle, and returns.
Provence style looks very original and majestic in embroidered items. Cross-embroidered sachets filled with fragrant herbs look extraordinary.
Today we will talk about the Provence style. It is primarily characterized by the softness of shapes and shades, as well as the grace and richness of contours. The birthplace of this trend is France. Having just appeared, in a short period of time this style gained many fans among the nobility and ordinary people. Provence is based on details that are extremely easy to perceive and repeat. Nowadays, this style has been somewhat transformed compared to ancient times. First of all, they show some examples, drawings, pictures and photos that were once used to decorate interiors.
Embroidery in the Provence style has hardly changed over time, but has only been improved. With the advent of new types of needlework, this style received additional development. Pictures, embroidered with a cross, ribbons, as well as panels in the Provence style or photos - you can do all this yourself and place a piece of France in your home, which will fit perfectly into a modern interior.
This style exudes coziness, warmth and homely atmosphere, which is why it is so often used to decorate the most different rooms. Embroidery, items with clocks, flowers, and flowerpots decorate cafes and residential buildings everywhere. Provence style gives you the opportunity to develop your creative imagination, allowing you to create interesting works with your own hands. This kind of embroidery does not require any special skills from you. You can start embroidering small pictures with a cross, gradually improving and creating delicate canvases bigger size. The result will definitely please you, and such delicate embroidery can become one of the main details in the interior.
Let's start exploring the Provence style with the selection necessary materials and tools for work:
- Needles. You can choose different ones for embroidery. If you decide to do cross stitch, choose a needle with a blunt tip;
- Threads. Choose cotton ones. The Provence style is primarily characterized by the use of threads in delicate shades, primarily purple and of blue color. Yellow and white threads will also be an effective addition.
Also, in such work you, of course, cannot do without imagination. But this will only be needed if there is no suitable scheme. The most popular images that decorate paintings in the Provence style are rural motifs: these are country roads and small houses, watch. One of the most important elements characterizing the Provence style is, of course, lavender.
Embroidery theme
Having become interested in this style, craftswomen first of all begin to think about the theme for embroidery. You can come up with a plot yourself and depict it on canvas. The same lavender in combination with wildflowers is perfect for such work due to its softness and variety of color combinations. Similar embroidery can also be supplemented wooden parts, pots, etc. Compose your embroidery from the basic elements inherent in the Provence style. So, you will get rich and intense paintings that will show all your skill. Please review the photos before work. finished works and how they fit into the home environment.
Provence style fits well into the bedroom. Choose muted shades of yellow, light blue, brown, and green for embroidery. White color is not typical for this type of embroidery, but its tones are often still present on the canvases. Photos will help you decide color combination, which is inherent in this French style.
In addition, the Provence style is characterized by a harvest theme. Often these are images with pears, apricots, as well as grapes and wine poured into glasses.
Cross stitch in Provence style
If you are proficient in cross stitch techniques, you should definitely try to bring to life the original style of Provence. The patterns on which such embroidery is based can be selected in a variety of ways, depending on the experience of the needlewoman.
As usual, cross stitch is easiest to do on light-colored canvas. You can also use stylized material, taking advantage of the variety of canvases offered. Beige and olive colors are perfect for work. Even if you have threads of only four or five shades, you can create worthy paintings with your own hands that will take a central place in the interior of your home. Since the Provence style still has purple tones, purchase threads of a shade that is also called lavender. At first, you should pay attention to light schemes.
For beginning needlewomen, it would be best to use ready-made kits, which already contain the required colors of embroidery threads, as well as suitable patterns.
Additional tricks
Provence style can be transferred to canvas not only with the help of cross stitch. Embroidery with satin ribbons also looks impressive. Such paintings look quite catchy and have a special charm. Lavender flowers embroidered with ribbons will look great on a kitchen tablecloth.
For such embroidery, take the material and schematically mark on it three branches with lavender flowers crossing at an angle. Based on this scheme, you can start working. Take a needle and satin ribbon lilac shade. Next, based on the French knot seam, we make stitches along the entire base of the future lavender flower. You can use different tone combinations of ribbons and make flowers different shades. The stem is made either from green satin ribbon or from their floss by creating large stitches. As a final detail, embroider the leaves in the marked area using dark green ribbon. Additional decorative element It is fashionable to sew a bow at the intersection of the stems. Lavender is a key element of the Provence style, which can be embroidered with a cross, beads and lets. Choose suitable style handicrafts and create your own masterpieces in the original French style.
For inspiration, look through the photos presented in our article to get new ideas for embroidering paintings and panels.
Video: French knot with ribbons
Embroidery involves the use of many methods and styles for execution. Handmade products embody in images the various essences and richness of different eras.
The Provence style combines many embroidery techniques. It is distinguished by its elegant antiquity, sophistication, softness of shapes and delicacy of the color palette.
"... Nature here is such that you begin to feel what Color is"
The formation of the Provencal style is considered to be the period of the 15th - 17th centuries, when the north and south of France were very different. However, even in a period of contradictions, these regions were united by a love of airy lightness and grace in everything.
As a style, Provence was born in small French villages already in the 19th century. It is characterized by a certain primitiveness, a feeling of discreetness and chastity. The Provençal style is not characterized by pretentiousness or flashy brightness. Back in those days, he gained popularity among both ordinary people, and among wealthy gentlemen, thanks to their primitive patterns and simple elements. The style was loved by many artists and poets of that time. It was embodied in the paintings of Picasso, Van Gogh and Matisse.
In its interior embodiment, it has undergone many changes until it has reached the present day. However, in cross stitch, the Provence style has retained its authenticity.
Characteristic features of French Provence
SEASONS magazine No. 61 identified the three main colors of southern France:
- yellow like lemon;
- cool gray like coastal pebbles;
- bright pink like a bungevillea flower.
This is truly inherent in the Provençal style. However, you should not limit yourself to this color scheme.
The color scheme used in cross stitch in the Provence style is distinguished by its simplicity and calmness. Here preference is given to tones of sand, white, green and purple. The shades chosen are deep, but not pronounced.
Secrets of delicate and beautiful paintings
To create cross stitch in the Provence style in the modern world, high-quality natural materials are used. Linen or cotton fabric is perfect.
It is permissible to use only threads without synthetics, this gives the products additional charm. It is better to choose a needle with a blunt tip.
In the Provence style, cross stitch and satin stitch embroidery are used. The work is done both manually, by securing the fabric with a hoop, and with the help of an embroidery machine.
Choosing a theme for a future masterpiece
Embroidery in the Provence style is distinguished by the use of herbs, fruits, flowers and everything that symbolizes nature in images. This is the embodiment of real village motifs.
To settle on a particular landscape, you can close your eyes and imagine bright purple lavender fields separated by a country road surrounded by small rural houses. You need to feel the spirit of the French province, and then your imagination will suggest both the theme for embroidery and the colors to use.
Panels in the Provence style will be a wonderful decoration for the bedroom, still lifes with fruits will be a worthy addition kitchen interior. French motifs look perfect on clothes, tablecloths and bedding.
Technology for hardworking professionals
To obtain an ideal job, cross stitch technology must be mastered perfectly. It is not easy for beginners, because the work takes quite a lot long time, and the circuits are considered complex.
For cross stitch in Provence style, it is better to use Aida canvas in beige, olive or white. The cross is made with two diagonal stitches following the same sequence of actions. Sticking to a style structure is extremely important. To get decent work, it will be enough to use threads of 4-5 different tones.
The main color of the style is purple, or, as it is also called, lavender. The combination of shades in embroidery should be discreet and create a uniform image. There should not be an emphasis on one element, but they should be different from each other. The most in a simple way This can be achieved by using threads of different colors.
For beginners, it is better to use ready-made kits that are widely available for sale.
Subtleties of the Richelieu method
This type is based on satin stitch embroidery. It is characterized by the use of threads of the same color, which will depend on the shade of the fabric.
The whole essence of the cutwork technique lies in the careful sheathing of embossed patterns on fabric with thread. As a result, the work will be similar to light and openwork lace.
To perform embroidery in the Provence style using the cutwork technique, only thin fabric, such as cotton, silk, satin or linen, is suitable. To avoid damaging the fabric while creating holes, you can pre-soak it in a starch solution. This will make it look like paper and prevent it from sagging.
Scissors must be sharp. You can also use sandpaper.
The most important stage there will be a selection of diagrams and images. Look great in this style geometric figures and plants.
The selected pattern will need to be transferred to the fabric using carbon paper or applied. Larger patterns can be cut into separate pieces and then attached using a machine stitch or by hand. This must be done twice. After this, the dotted line formed on the fabric must be sewn with a buttonhole stitch. Thus, the knot that each buttonhole contains will be adjacent to the pressed part.
If the choice is the image of leaves, then at the beginning of the work you need to make the flooring. It is expressed in large stitches made in one direction. Then small seams are made in the opposite direction.
The stems and stamens are embroidered using a stem stitch.
Satin stitch embroidery of flowers in Provence style also has its own characteristics. The buds are connected by bridges, which are located along the two edges of the extruded element. The thread must be pulled out from the wrong side towards the adjacent hole. To do this, you need to take care of the presence of markings. The thread comes out again on the wrong side. You need to repeat the previous step and then fasten the thread. Next, the brid is sheathed using a buttonhole stitch.
The presence of cobwebs on embroidery will look impressive. To do this, you need to sew a thread between the pressed parts several times. No sheathing required.
Creating a key stylistic element
The symbol of Provence in embroidery is the image of lavender, the cultivation of which France is famous for. She embodies all the tenderness of field plants.
A French knot is used for its embroidery, making the image look realistic. To perform this technique, the tape, previously wrapped in one step, is inserted onto the front side and returned to the wrong side. There should be a small distance between stitches. The knots are made exclusively from the wrong side, and the edges are smoothed with fire. It is best to start working at the top and gradually work your way down to the bottom of the flower.
It is preferable to use thread to embroider the base of the flower. Its creation also begins from the wrong side. After the thread is brought to the front part, a buttonhole is created into which the thread is inserted. As a result, a reliable node is formed.
The stem is obtained using large stitches made slightly obliquely.
Embroidery in the Provence style with a lavender pattern looks very catchy in the interior. It is a key element in creating unique image with a French touch. The flower can be made using embroidery, cross stitch, satin stitch, and beads.
The elegance of technology using ribbons
The originality of the French style is achieved not only by the use of beads or satin stitch. The use of ribbons in Provence style embroidery gives the product a special charm. This technique is much simpler than cross stitch and looks great on napkins, tablecloths or pillows.
Embroidery in the Provence style (pictured) using ribbons looks interesting and original. For getting beautiful product you need natural fabric without patterns or designs. To perform this technique, only a tapestry needle is suitable, which does not damage the surface of the material.
Markings of 12 cm are made along the edges of the canvas and the middle is indicated. The work is done along the entire edge of the tablecloth. The selected pattern is pinned to the canvas to copy the design. The fabric itself is placed in a hoop. The tape is cut on one side, forming an angle, and its other edge remains smooth. To prevent the ends of the tape from unraveling, it is treated with fire.
All kinds of embroidery methods have their own rich era and varied significance. Embroidery and Provence style are considered to be the most ancient. Behind a large number of time, Provence concentrated various embroidery techniques.
It's thin and Fashionable style, in which you can embroider with both satin stitch and cross stitch.
Provence style was formed in small French villages. The secret lies in the fact that it is embroidered with primitive patterns. Provence looks great when used on clothes, bed textiles and tablecloths. The panel in the Provence style fascinates with its unusualness. An exception to the Provence style is the high quality of the fabric used in the work. All accessories consist only of natural thread. Only they bring their unique charm to this style. Provence style has its rustic chastity and purity.
Provence embroidery can be embroidered with a cross, either with your own hands or using a machine. To prevent the fabric from slipping, it can be secured with a hoop. Patterns and photos of embroidery can be viewed on our portal.
Color shades in this style, it is preferable to choose concentrated, but dim ones.
As usual, not many colors are used, mainly: white, emerald, purple and sand.
Since this style and embroidery are rustic, all designs and patterns depict wild herbs and flowers. And also everything related to nature.
Only natural fabric is used, namely linen or cotton. It is also preferable to take natural threads.
Entered Provence various ways embroidery, including ribbons, threads or the famous cutwork embroidery.
Let's take a closer look at some of the types in this style.
Subtleties of cutwork embroidery
To carry out such embroidery in this style, you need extremely thin fabric. If you have a choice, use cotton or linen. This material resembles cambric. Satin and smooth silk are also perfect. The pattern will be distinguished by its subtlety.
The whole point is that the patterns embossed on the fabric must be covered with thread. If you trim flowers, then they will be connected by brids.
The color of the thread depends on the color of the fabric. Provence implies that the color of the fabric matches the shade of the thread.
The most important thing in style is the selection of a diagram and pattern for the picture. Geometric patterns or flora are best. Transfer the pattern to the canvas. You can fantasize about the image of the painting, or you can use a book or magazines with photos. Or contact our portal for help. Using carbon paper, carefully transfer the drawings of the painting onto the fabric.
If the diagrams are large enough, they can be cut into pieces. All that you have obtained, their edges must be enclosed with a machine seam or with your own hands. The choice of seam does not matter. Walk like this twice. After this, sew all the pressed parts with a buttonhole stitch. A knot is formed in each buttonhole. Its edge must be adjacent to the extruded part.
If your paintings and embroidery are made in the form of leaves, then before embroidering, make the flooring. Make large stitches in one direction. Then, small stitches, but in reverse side, like satinfish. To embroider the stamens and stems, use a stem stitch.
And now, let's turn your attention to the bridges. They must exist along two edges of the extruded part. Take a needle and make marks. We take the thread out from the wrong side and pass it into the next hole. Thus, the thread will come out again on the wrong side. Again, do the same manipulations and strengthen the thread. Make sure that your working material does not sag, but is stretched. The result will be a brid, which should be sewn with a buttonhole seam. Make the stitches thick and as even as possible.
To make your work and embroidery look especially unusual, you can make a spider web. This is quite easy to do. Sew the thread several times, between the pressed parts. Don't trim it. This pattern looks great on large holes.
What should you do to avoid damaging the fabric when creating holes? The first thing to do is soak the canvas in water diluted with starch. The fabric will become like paper and will not sag. Sharpen your scissors well so they don't tear the fabric. Sandpaper is perfect for this.
You need to cut out the holes very carefully, without damaging adjacent parts and without leaving the thread hanging.
As an experiment, combine cutwork with other techniques, such as satin stitch embroidery.
Method of embroidering tablecloth with ribbons
We already wrote a little higher in the text that the Provence style can be embroidered with ribbons. Look at the photo, this work looks amazing and gentle. To create such a masterpiece, you need a light tablecloth that does not contain any patterns.
Flower embroidery will be located along all edges of our canvas. Use a pencil to mark all sides, especially the core. Our beautiful schemes, attach to the tablecloth and attach. Transfer the pattern. Hoop all the work. To embroider such a design, you need a tapestry needle that will not damage the fabric.
Cut the edge of the tape and apply heat to prevent it from coming apart. You can strengthen the edges.
Fold the other edge in half and insert a needle into it.
Embroidery of a flower in Provence
Let's take the well-known lavender flower, widespread in the villages of France. If you look at his photo, you will see all the beauty of wildflowers. Do the work with a stitch or in a modern way, a French knot. Thanks to this technique, our plant will look like a real one. Take the ribbon and stick it out from the front side, wrap it once, return it back to the wrong side. Leave small spaces between stitches. Start working from the very top of the flower, slowly moving down. Making a knot is only necessary from the inside out. Don't forget to heat the edges.
Since lavender has a violet glow, it would be logical to choose this shade for our embroidery. We do not recommend experimenting with combining several shades. Since the Provence style is capricious in this matter.
It is better to embroider the base of the flower with thread, also starting from the inside out. After bringing it to the front side, make a buttonhole and insert a thread into it. By doing this, we will securely strengthen it. You have formed a knot.
The stem is embroidered with large stitches. Do them slightly obliquely. Just do not twist the ribbon while embroidering the lavender. Bring it to the front side, turn it over to form a corner, and return to its original position.
Provence is reminiscent of ancient and centuries-old embroidery. Because of this, it is made on home textiles. And paintings in the Provence style, made using the cross technique, add some mystery to your home. This can be seen in the photo.
Video: French knot technique
