Embroidery involves the use of many methods and styles for execution. Hand-made products embody various essences and richness of different eras in images.
Provence style concentrates the combination of many embroidery techniques. It is distinguished by its graceful antiquity, sophistication, softness of forms and tenderness of the color palette.
"... Nature here is such that you begin to feel what Color is."
The formation of the Provencal style is the period of the XV - XVII centuries, when the north and south of France were very different. However, even during the period of controversy, these regions were united by a love of airy lightness and grace in everything.
As a style, Provence was born in small French villages in the 19th century. It is characterized by a certain primitiveness, a sense of discreteness and chastity. Provencal style is not inherent pretentiousness or flashy brightness. Even in those days, he gained popularity both among ordinary people and among wealthy gentlemen, thanks to his primitive patterns and simple elements. The style was loved by many artists and poets of that time. He found his embodiment in the paintings of Picasso, Van Gogh and Matisse.
In the interior incarnation, he underwent many changes, until he came to our days. However, in cross-stitch style, Provence retained its authenticity.
Characteristics of French Provence
SEASONS Magazine No. 61 identified the three primary colors of southern France:
- yellow like lemon;
- cool gray like coastal pebbles;
- hot pink like a bungevilla flower.
This is really inherent in the Provencal style. However, do not limit yourself to this coloristics.
The color scheme used in Provence style cross-stitch is simple and calm. Here, preference is given to tones of sand, white, green and purple. Shades are selected deep, but not pronounced.
Secrets of delicate and beautiful paintings
To create cross stitch in the style of provence in the modern world, high quality natural materials are used. Fabric made from linen or cotton is perfect.
Allowed to use only threads without synthetics, this gives the product an additional charm. It is better to choose a needle with a blunt tip.
In the Provence style, cross-stitch and stitch embroidery is used. The work is done both manually, when fixing the fabric with a hoop, and using an embroidery machine.
Choosing a theme for a future masterpiece
Embroidery in Provence style is distinguished by the use in the images of herbs, fruits, flowers and all that symbolizes nature. This is the embodiment of true village motifs.
In order to focus on choosing a specific 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 the imagination will tell you the topic for embroidery, and the colors to be used.
The panels in the Provence style will be a wonderful decoration of the bedroom, still lifes using fruits will adequately complement the kitchen interior. French motifs look perfect on clothes, tablecloths and bedding.
Technique for hardworking professionals
To get perfect work, the technology of cross-stitching must be mastered to perfection. It is not easy for beginners, because the work takes quite a long time, and the schemes are considered complex.
For cross stitch in Provence style, it is better to use Aida canvas in beige, olive or white. The cross is done with two diagonal stitches in the same sequence of actions. Adhering to a style structure is crucial. To get decent work, it will be sufficient 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 colors in the embroidery should be discreet and create a uniform image. Emphasis on one element should not be, while they should be different from each other. The easiest way to achieve this is to use threads of different colors.
Beginners are better off using ready-made kits that are widely available for sale.
The subtleties of the Richelieu method
The basis of this type is embroidery stitch. It is typical for her to use the threads of the same color in the work, which will depend on the shade of the canvas.
The whole essence of the Richelieu technique is to neatly trim the embossed patterns onto the fabric with a thread. As a result, the work will be similar to light and delicate lace.
For embroidery in Provence style with the use of Richelieu technique, exclusively thin fabric, for example, cotton, silk, satin or linen, is suitable. In order not to spoil the fabric during the creation of holes, it can be presoaked in a starch solution. Thus, it will look like paper, and this will eliminate its sagging.
Scissors should be sharp. You can use sandpaper.
The most important step will be the selection of schemes and images. Geometric shapes and plants look great in this style.
The selected pattern will need to be transferred to the fabric using carbon paper or in bulk. Large-sized schemes can be cut into separate parts, and then attached by using a machine seam or manually. This must be done twice. After this, the dotted line formed on the fabric must be stitched with a buttonhole stitch. Thus, the knot, which contains each buttonhole, will be adjacent to the pressed part.
If the choice is limited to 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.
Stems and stamens are embroidered with a stitch seam.
The stitch embroidery of flowers in the Provence style also has its own characteristics. The buds are connected by brides, which are located at the two edges of the extruded element. It is necessary to remove the thread from the wrong side in the direction of the neighboring hole. To do this, you need to take care of the presence of markings. The thread comes out again on the wrong side. It is necessary to repeat the previous action, and then fasten the thread. Next, the brid is sheathed with a buttonhole.
The presence of a cobweb will look spectacular on the embroidery. To do this, between the pressed parts, you need to flash the thread several times. No casing required.
Creating a key element of style
The symbol of Provence in embroidery is the image of lavender, the cultivation of which is famous for France. She embodies all the tenderness of field plants.
A French knot is used for her embroidery, making the image look realistic. To perform this technique, the tape pre-wrapped in one step is pushed onto the front side and returned to the wrong side. There should be a slight distance between the stitches. Nodules are made exclusively from the wrong side, and the edges are smoothed out by fire. It is best to start work from above and gradually lower to the bottom of the flower.
For embroidery of the base of the flower, it is preferable to use a thread. Its creation also begins from the wrong side. After the thread is displayed on the front part, a loop is created in which the thread is pushed. The result is a reliable site.
The stalk is obtained with the help of slightly oblique large stitches.
Embroidery in Provence style with a lavender pattern looks very catchy in the interior. It is a key element in creating a unique image with a French touch. The flower can be made using embroidery and a cross, and stitch, and beads.
The elegance of technology using ribbons
The originality of the French style is achieved not only using beads or smoothness. Using ribbons in Provence style embroidery gives the product a special charm. This technique is much simpler than cross stitching and looks great on napkins, tablecloths or pillows.
Embroidery in the style of Provence (pictured) using ribbons looks interesting and original. To obtain a beautiful product you need a natural fabric without patterns and patterns. To perform this technique, only a tapestry needle is suitable, which does not damage the surface of the material.
At the edges of the canvas, markings of 12 cm are made and the middle is indicated. Work is done around the edge of the tablecloth. The selected pattern is pinned to the canvas to copy the picture. The fabric itself is hooped. The tape is cut off on one side, forming an angle, and its other edge remains flat. To prevent the dissolution of the ends of the tape, it is processed by fire.