GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The canvas is the background fabric used in Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kits.  It is an open fabric mesh made of 100% cotton and stiffened with starch.   Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kits include an interlock canvas produced by Zweigart ® .

To guide your stitching, each Sew Sew Mellow pre printed canvas and accompanying stitch plan includes a colour key. This key features coloured blocks (and an alternative black and white symbols option) each block indicating the exact yarn shade required for the matching section on your canvas.  

By consistently referring to the colour key, you can accurately replicate the design and colour placement of the pattern.

An embroidery frame is a tool used to hold fabric taut while working on embroidery or other needlework projects. By keeping the fabric stretched, it prevents puckering and distortion, ensuring even and consistent stitches.  

There are two main categories of embroidery frames:

1. Hoops: Typically consist of two concentric rings, one fitting inside the other to clamp the fabric between them.
2. Frames: Such as scroll frames, stretcher bar frames and slate frames. Designed to hold a larger area of fabric taut.

For more information on embroidery frames read our 'To Frame or Not to Frame' blog post

Embroidery scissors are small, sharp scissors specifically designed for the precise cutting of threads and tiny fabric snippets in embroidery and other needlework. They are an essential tool for any embroiderer, offering greater control and accuracy than regular scissors.

Embroidery snips are a type of small, sharp cutting tool specifically designed for snipping threads in embroidery, cross-stitch, and other needlework. They are distinct from regular embroidery scissors in their design and how they are used.  

Instead of traditional finger loops like scissors, snips often have a plier-like or nipper-style handle that you squeeze to cut. They usually have a spring-loaded mechanism. This causes the blades to automatically open after a cut, making them very efficient for quick, repetitive snips.

This refers to the number of holes or intersections per linear inch of the canvas.  Common sizes include 10,12, 13, 14 and 18 holes per inch.  The higher the number, the smaller the mesh size and the finer the design. Most Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kits use 13hpi interlock canvas.

Each Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kit includes a printed stitch plan. As well as the pre-printed canvas it provides an additional reference point indicating which colour should be used where. Options are provided in both colour and black and white symbols.

A tapestry needle is a specialized needle specifically designed for needlepoint to avoid splitting the canvas threads. It has a large eye and a blunt tip.

2 tapestry needles are included in every Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kit.

The most basic and common needlepoint stitch. There are three variations:

• Continental Tent Stitch: A diagonal stitch worked in horizontal or vertical rows, providing good coverage and stability. Uses more yarn than half tent.
• Basketweave Tent Stitch: A diagonal stitch worked in a diagonal pattern, creating a strong, even coverage and minimising canvas distortion. Uses the most yarn of the tent stitches.
• Half Cross Stitch: A diagonal stitch that is the quickest but can distort the canvas if used alone for large areas.

A yarn threader is a tool designed to help you get yarn through the eye of a needle. Yarn, especially thicker varieties, can be quite difficult to thread through a needle's eye, and a yarn threader simplifies this process.

There are a few common designs:

• Metal loop: Often made of thin, flexible metal wire that you pass through the eye of the needle. You then put the yarn through the loop and pull the loop back through the needle, bringing the yarn with it.
• Plastic with a hook or slot: Some have a small hook or slot that you use to grab the yarn and pull it through the needle.
• Double-ended: Some yarn threaders have different sized ends to accommodate various yarn thicknesses and needle eye sizes.

A yarn threader is included in every Sew Sew Mellow needlepoint kit.

A waste knot is a temporary knot tied in the end of your thread, positioned on the front of your needlepoint canvas, a short distance away from where you intend to begin stitching. You then stitch towards this knot, and as you stitch, your stitches secure the thread on the back of the canvas. Once your stitches have secured the thread, the waste knot is cut off close to the canvas surface.

Why is it called a "waste" knot? Because the knot itself, and a small bit of the thread, are ultimately cut off and discarded, or "wasted."

This refers to the material used for stitching.  Common types of yarn include wool, cotton and silk thread.  Sew Sew Mellow tapestry kits use 100% British wool from Appletons.