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 shape and tenderness. 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 flowers. The shades chosen are deep, but not pronounced.

Secrets of delicate and beautiful paintings

To create cross stitch in Provence style in modern world high quality natural materials. 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 to achieve this will be the use of threads different colors.

It is better for beginners to use ready-made kits, which are widely available commercially.

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 step will be the selection of the diagram and image. 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 a unique look 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 the other edge remains straight. To prevent the ends of the tape from unraveling, it is treated with fire.

There are many embroidery techniques. Each of them has its own history and special sacred meaning. Embroidery using the Provence technique can be called one of the oldest.. Over many centuries, this method has combined different methods self made.

This is one of the most beautiful views. Its difference is that you can embroider using cross stitch, satin stitch or another method, but only in a certain style. It originated in small provincial villages in France and England. The beauty of this technique lies precisely in the certain primitiveness of the patterns. It looks good on tablecloths, shirt collars, blouses, pillowcases. Bed linen embroidered in this style will look very beautiful. The paintings captivate with their natural beauty. The peculiarity of embroidery is the quality of the material used for work. All products are embroidered only on natural fabrics. They are the ones who give the product a long-forgotten charm. They are dominated by minimalism and a certain modesty.

Handicrafts in Provence are carried out both manually and with the help of sewing machine. To ensure that the natural material does not slip under the foot, you will need. Schemes of such embroidery can be found on our website.

Color spectrum. Preference is given to rich but dim patterns.

The following thread colors are traditional in Provence: all shades of white, pale green, lavender, ocher, soft yellow.

Drawings and diagrams of Provence are dominated by images of all kinds of flowers and herbs. Images are always associated with nature: the sun, field, sea, garden.

Only natural materials are used in this type of handmade work. If it is fabric, then it must be cotton or linen; if it is thread, then it must also be made only from natural raw materials.

In Provence, different embroidery techniques were combined. This includes cross stitch, ribbons, and the well-known cutwork. Next, we will look at several Provence embroidery techniques.

Richelieu in Provence style

To embroider using this method, you only need a thin fabric. If you have a large choice, then take cotton or linen material. These fabrics are very similar to cambric. You can also use satin and silk. The drawing will be clearly visible on it. The essence of this embroidery is that the designs cut out in the fabric are trimmed with threads. If you have, for example, a flower, then its elements will be connected by breeds.

As for the choice of threads, then this technique does not require special shades. The threads are chosen strictly to match the color of the material on which the needlework will be made.

The choice of drawing is one of the important points. It is best to take either geometric shapes or plants. The drawings should be transferred to the canvas. You can come up with pictures, choose them from a book or magazine. Can also be found on our website. But don't forget to transfer it to tracing paper. After the tracing paper is ready, use carbon paper to transfer the patterns onto the fabric of your choice. If you don’t have carbon paper, you can transfer the drawing using graphite chips. Before this, pin the paper drawing with pins.

The elements of the circuit should be cut. The resulting contours of the elements must be sheathed either using a machine or with a needle. This can be done with any seam. The edges need to be passed twice. During the second pass, make stitches between the first ones. Ideally, there should be no visible threads between the edges of the fabric. After this, all cut elements need to be stitched with a buttonhole stitch. In each loop you will get a knot. It should fit towards the cut part.

For example, if your designs have leaves, then before you embroider them, you need to make a flooring. First you need to make large stitches that will lie in one direction. Then we adjust small stitches, but across them. They are also called smooth. To embroider stems or stamens, it is better to use a stem stitch.

Now it's time for the breeding. They should be on both sides of the future cut element. You can mark the puncture sites with a needle. The thread should be taken out from the wrong side of the pierced fabric and passed into another hole made. So, your thread will be on the wrong side again. Pass the withdrawn thread again into the first hole and fasten. Make sure that your thread does not hang down. It should be taut. You will get a brida. It will need to be sheathed. It is better to use a loop stitch. The stitches on the brid should be thick and even.

To make your work look especially amazing, you can make a spider web. It is done very simply. Lay threads between the two elements. There is no need to sheathe them. The cobwebs will be beautiful and look great on large cut-out elements.

To cut out elements and not damage the fabric, it is best to soak the product in starch water. The material will become like paper and will not hang. The scissors must be very sharp. After each cut element, it is better to sharpen them. Use sandpaper for this. Run the blades over it several times.

Take cutting out elements very seriously. There is no need to leave elongated threads, but also do not touch the embroidered parts of the knot.

To make the product extraordinary, cutwork can be combined with other types. Many people use satin stitch embroidered elements.

How to embroider a tablecloth with ribbons

As stated above, you can embroider in Provence different types. Here, for example, with ribbons. Photos of ribbon embroidery are very impressive. To embroider a tablecloth with ribbons, you will need clean fabric without different patterns and additional embroideries.

Our embroidery will be on all edges of the tablecloth. To do this, mark 12 centimeters on each side and look for the middle.
We apply the selected drawing schemes to the fabric. Be sure to secure it. Then carefully transfer it to the tablecloth. We place the workpiece in the hoop. For this embroidery you will need a tapestry needle. She will not tear the material.

We cut the tape on one side at an angle. The other side should be flat. To prevent the threads from being pulled out from the ends, lightly burn the edges with a lighter or match. This will help secure the cut ends.

We fold the straight end of the tape in half. We insert a needle and thread into it.

How to embroider a flower in Provence style

Let's give an example of embroidering lavender. This plant especially emphasizes Provence. In the photo you can see the beauty and delicacy of this flower. It is better to do it with a stitch. This type is also called the French pedunculated knot. With this type of sewing, the flower will look like it’s alive. To do this, take the tape and bring it to the front side. After the needle with the ribbon is on the front side, wrap it with ribbon once and thus bring it to the wrong side. Input and output should be on a small gap. Start with the buds, and gradually work your way down to the base of the bud. Fasten the tape only on the wrong side. Be sure to burn the edges.

Flowers can be embroidered in one color or in several. You should play with colors carefully. Make sure that their transition is smooth.

As for the base of the buds, they are embroidered with thread. The best thing is floss. If not, then take some knitting thread. We also start from the wrong side. Near where the previous one was displayed. After we have pulled the thread to the front side, we leave a loop on it. The thread must be passed through the loop. This way we will secure it. You should get a knot.

All stems need to be embroidered with large stitches. The stitches should lie slightly diagonally. To make the lavender leaves look natural, the ribbon does not need to be twisted. We also bring the needle to the front side. We place the tape directly along the entire length of the leaf. At the end, we turn it over to create an acute angle and go back.

The Provence style has an antique effect. Therefore, in this manner it looks especially impressive on bed linen, tablecloths, and curtains. Cross-stitched paintings and panels combine amazingly with any interior.

Video: French knot

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 natural materials are used: 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, 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.

It is marked with carved, plant-based designs, trimmed with thread.

Making products using the cutwork technique involves selecting simple geometric and plant 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 a prepared design to the material; the contours prepared for embroidery are indicated by a compacted outline.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. Blank canvas, plain colors
2. Satin ribbons
3. Scissors
4. Tapestry needles of different sizes
5. Bobbin threads
6. Tape measure
7. Ornament scheme
8. Hoop
9. Tracing paper
10. Lighter

Embroidery will be carried out along different edges of the created tablecloth. Let's take a step-by-step look at how this happens.

• 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 delicate flower lavender.

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:

1. The needle with the inserted tape is brought out onto the face.
2. The tape 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.
3. We start with the buds, gradually moving down.
4. It should be fixed on the wrong side.
5. Lavender can be embroidered in one color or in several matching shades. There should be a soft and gradual transition between the selected colors.
6. 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 to the front side, a loop is left. The fiber is passed through a prepared loop. This is how fastening occurs, and a knot is obtained.
7. The stems are embroidered with stitches large sizes. The seams lie diagonally, which is similar to natural beauty stems. To make the lavender leaves look more natural, the ribbon does not twist.
8. The needle is brought out onto the face.
9. 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.

Provence style in embroidery - what is it (photo)

Provence is a style characterized by the softness of shapes and colors, grace and richness of lines. It appeared in France, where it gained popularity in a matter of years, and continued to pleasantly please both noble gentlemen and ordinary people, because it is based on elements that are quite simple to perceive and reproduce. It has survived to this day in a slightly modified form, which can be clearly seen from the interior elements and old photographs. But in embroidery it has practically not changed, except that the materials today are better than they once were.
Today, the notorious style is perceived as everyday: products can take the form of watches, flowers, flowerpots, and much more. Cozy and interesting, this style easily finds its place in modern house. And what’s also important is that you can develop in this style, making your work more and more interesting each time. This embroidery is not too hasty; it requires special skills. But the result is worth it!

Embroidery materials and tools

So, here's what we need:

Provence or "country"

Embroidery in the “Country” style Before starting work, it’s worth thinking about what we’ll actually be working with. Provence is associated with France, where the climate is warm and very mild. Grapes and a variety of fruits grow there, the fields are full of lavender and daisies. It is not surprising that the French do not like to be colorful in their embroidery. bright colors– they have these colors right here, literally near the house. One photo of the southern regions of France will dispel any misunderstanding.
"Country" refers to England. The country further north, with a harsh climate in many regions, is more focused on the theme of home. Actually, the nature of this style tends towards different shades of brown, orange, red, but pure white is not found at all. This style can more readily be called a northern home style - the stove is the center of attention, the entire interior is made of wood, and the occasional glimpses from the windows are not full of colors like everything else.
Of course, the Provence style cannot but be attractive to residents northern countries who want to enrich their home with colors.

Which topic to choose

When you have it at hand necessary materials, and your hand just reaches out to start working, you need to think again about the topic of your work. You need to imagine some a bright picture. The already mentioned flowers are the best suited for work, combining both softness and richness of colors. To them it is worth adding elements made of wood, such as pots. The most reasonable thing would be to embroider a kind of weaving of all the elements, giving preference to bright shades only to those elements whose designs occupy a central position. But they also need to be diluted with white! Such a panel in the Provence style will look great - the photos will give you an idea of ​​how it looks in a home environment.
This embroidery will look cute in your bedroom. The chosen colors are neither too bright nor faded - yellow, light blue, brownish-greenish and green. Pure white colors are practically never found, although the Provence style does not deny them. Color solutions You can also learn from photos of different village houses.
As you can see, the style embraces the harvest theme. Pears and apricots are found very often in the works, and even more often grapes or wine poured into glasses or directly in bottles.
Wealth of motives is the key to good work

Just because Provence is not always inclined towards home themes, the range of its application is expanding. The most complex works often lean towards rural views, but complement them with some elements. For example, a house with rather flashy decorations. What is important is that the color of such jewelry should not be too aggressive - you should avoid red and orange, giving preference to blue and purple. It is quite difficult for beginners to cross-stitch such a composition in the Provence style.
If the product should complement the kitchen, then the best solution will coordinate the colors, but add green to the product itself. Have you heard about the Provence style in kitchens? Maybe you’ve at least seen photos of such kitchens? So, they are often light brown or white, with light shades of blue, but are devoid of plant elements. Many people are familiar with floral patterns, in which there are many flowers, but even more vines, leaves and branches - such an ornament came from France, although it is found in the national embroidery of many countries. In this case, embroidery will easily fit into the design.

Approach to work

Since Provence is a style, that is, a subcategory, there is another concept before it. The mentioned cross-stitching should ideally be mastered in order for the style to be reproduced in your work. The schemes are complex, and work on them can take a very long time.

You should work on Aida canvas, either white or stylized, that is, in a variety of shades of beige. Olive colored canvas would also work. It is convenient and allows you to immediately estimate the finished product. In a word, those who do needlework and who are interested in the Provence style will not part with such fabric.
Remembering that a cross means two diagonal stitches, which are performed in the same sequence, you need to be prepared to be patient. When repeating familiar stitch sequences, it is important not to forget about the special structure of the style. It is enough to have threads of only 4-5 different colors so that the final work is worthy of taking a place in the apartment as decorative element. Don’t forget about purple – this color is rightfully considered one of the main colors in the style, which is why it is sometimes called “lavender”. For your first experience, you should use simple schemes.
It is important to make each embroidery element unique. The most simple solution will always use threads of different colors so that other elements differ from them. You should not focus on one thing, but make the composition uniform and not flashy. Again, it's worth finding a photo finished product, study it in order to better understand the style. Those inexperienced in embroidery should consider purchasing special kits - they include fabric, needles, fabrics, and, most importantly, diagrams with instructions. Often, beginners are introduced to embroidery using the example of the mentioned style, so it will quickly become clear.

Spectacular addition

Nothing prevents threads from preferring ribbons. Ribbon embroidery is much simpler than cross stitching, but it is not without its charm. So, for example, let's try to make a decoration for a tablecloth. It will be lavender - as bright and memorable as a flower from the Provence region.
We sew the fabric in the shape of three branches with flowers that cross at a slight angle. This will be the basis. Next, using a tapestry needle and ribbon lilac color, we will make stitches using the “French knot on a leg” technique. You should get one of the flowers - the middle one. The other two can be made from dark purple ribbons. The stem needs to be made from green knitting thread, laying it in large stitches. The last element will be leaves from a wide dark green ribbon. You can add a dainty bow where the stems intersect.
Well, that's it. A ribbon flower is the easiest thing to do and looks good on the same tablecloth, or pillow and napkin. We hope our photos will give you many new ideas in this vein.

Video: how to embroider a French knot with ribbons