Schwalm Designs (4) – Scallops (3)

By on 15. November 2014   /   blog, Schwalm designs, tips and tricks   /   4 Comments

As already mentioned in the article Schwalm Designs (2) – Scallops (1), it is customary to decorate simple Schwalm motifs by outlining the shapes with scallops placed close together.

But how can one get uniformly sized and evenly distributed scallops around the edges of a shape if a computer drawing program is not available?

It’s easy to do on motifs that are not completely outlined with scallops. For an example, I will describe the process for adding scallops to a heart shape.

Supplies needed: a stencil for the motif, tracing paper, a sharp pencil – a mechanical pencil is best – a circles template and an eraser.
01_SK4Using the stencil a heart shape is drawn on the paper. On the template, a circle of a proportionate size is chosen to draw a scallop at the heart’s lower point. This point should either match the center of the circle or should be placed slightly above the center of the circle.
02_SK4Using the same circle template, additional scallops are drawn next to it.
Each circle stencil has four marks (→).
03_SK4Two opposite marks should match the outline of the heart.
04_SK4In this way the semi-circles makes scallops.
05_SK4If the outline is curved, the template has to be positioned as shown in the picture above. The center of the circle (the diameter of the circle is marked in red as a visual aid) meets the outline of the motif. If care is not taken when placing scallops on a curve, the scallops could get distorted.
06_SK4Reaching the top of the heart, either the scallop line ends before the center point – leaving a small distance free between the last scallop and the hearts upper point
07_SK4or the last scallops (on both sides of the concave point) are slanted a little so to be able to fit down into the concave point.
08_SK4It is more difficult to embellish circles with scallops. It is possible to calculate it using geometry, but this is too complicated for an embroiderer.
09_SK4So one could utilize either paper, a pair of compasses and a protractor,
10_SK4or tracing paper, a stencil of the shape and a pencil.
11_SK4A circle is drawn on the paper
12_SK4and divided into quarters using the protractor or
13_SK4by folding. The slightly transparent paper is held against a window or other light source. It is folded – so that lines match – first in half
14_SK4and then into quarters.

From the template, a circle of a proportionate size is chosen to draw scallops along the outline of the shape. For my circle, I started with a 13 mm diameter circle from the template – three scallops did not exactly fill the quarter.
15_SK4So, I tried a 14 mm circle; three scallops fit in the quarter exactly.
16_SK4To facilitate getting the scallops the same height, an additional marking line can be drawn with a pair of compasses.
17_SK4Such a line eases the work enormously.
18_SK4Proceeding carefully, in the end the scallops meet exactly.
19_SK4To ease the work on larger shapes, the circle should be divided once more – into eighths.
19a_SK4Again, drawing an additional outer circle (for scallop height) will further aid you in drawing perfect scallops.
20_SK4In the end, uniform and evenly distributed scallops outline the circle.
21_SK4

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Schwalm Designs (3) – Scallops (2)

By on 11. October 2014   /   blog, Schwalm designs, tips and tricks   /   7 Comments

Scallops are not only used to completely outline a shape, as seen here on the small bud,

small bud outlined with half-eyelet scallops

small bud outlined with half-eyelet scallops

but they are also an effective embellishment, for example, on baskets, buds, birds or making stems more prominent.
basket decorated at both the top and bottom edges with uniform half-eyelet scallops

basket decorated at both the top and bottom edges with uniform half-eyelet scallops

bud decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

bud decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

bird decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

bird decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

stem decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

stem decorated with uniform half-eyelet scallops

Scallops in graduated sizes
bud decorated with half-eyelet scallops in graduated sizes

bud decorated with half-eyelet scallops in graduated sizes

or arranged fan-like
bud decorated with Satin stitch scallops arranged fan-like and in graduated sizes

bud decorated with Satin stitch scallops arranged fan-like and in graduated sizes

are often found in different variations along small buds
bud decorated with scallops arranged fan-like and worked with Coral Knot stitches and Chain stitches

bud decorated with scallops arranged fan-like and worked with Coral Knot stitches and Chain stitches

or pomegranate motifs.
pomegranate decorated with scallops arranged fan-like and in graduated sizes,worked with Coral Knot stitches and Chain stitches

pomegranate decorated with scallops arranged fan-like and in graduated sizes, worked with Coral Knot stitches and Chain stitches

pomegranate decorated with scallops of differing sizes, worked with Blanket stitches

pomegranate decorated with scallops of differing sizes, worked with Blanket stitches

Scallops in the shape of leaves sometimes decorate hearts
leave-shaped scallops in different sizes outline a heart, worked with Blanket stitches

leave-shaped scallops in different sizes outline a heart, worked with Blanket stitches

or birds
uniform leave-shaped scallops as decoration for a bird, worked with Blanket stitches

uniform leave-shaped scallops as decoration for a bird, worked with Blanket stitches

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Schwalm Designs (2) – Scallops (1)

By on 16. August 2014   /   blog, Schwalm designs, tips and tricks   /   1 Comment

The simple motifs are often enhanced with embellishment. So, a circle is seldom seen unadorned, and hearts are usually decorated.
The customary form of decorating simple Schwalm motifs is to outline the shapes with scallops; they look nice and they are easy to embroider.
Bogenverzierung | scallop design 01
The scallops are placed close together.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density.

Circles are outlined with scallops of the same size, evenly distributed around the edge of the circle.
Heart outlined, except for the bottom and top center, with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density.

Heart outlined, except for the bottom and top center, with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density.

Also, hearts are outlined with such scallops. The scallop at the bottom of the heart should be drawn somewhat longer making it look almost teardrop shaped. It is best to start the line drawing here (at the bottom of the heart) and to work to the top in even steps on the right and on the left side of the heart. Meeting at top of the heart, either the scallop spacing needs to be adjusted or they are slanted a little bit.
Heart outlined with half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct with appropriately dense stitches. Some of the scallops should be closer together and the bottom point should have only one scallop.

Heart outlined with half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct with appropriately dense stitches. Some of the scallops should be closer together and the bottom point should have only one scallop.

It does not look very elegant to have two scallops meet at the lower heart point.
Heart outlined with scallops. The thread weight is correct and the density of the stitches is good. However, the treatment of the scallops at the heart’s lower point is not attractive.

Heart outlined with scallops. The thread weight is correct and the density of the stitches is good. However, the treatment of the scallops at the heart’s lower point is not attractive.

Also, the effect is not harmonious to have scallops becoming smaller at the heart’s lower point.
Tulip outlined with scallops utilizing the correct thread weight. The density of the stitches is not consistent. In this example, one can see that the embroiderer had difficulty distributing the scallops evenly – especially along the curved line at the top of the tulip.

Tulip outlined with scallops utilizing the correct thread weight. The density of the stitches is not consistent. In this example, one can see that the embroiderer had difficulty distributing the scallops evenly – especially along the curved line at the top of the tulip.

Tulips completely outlined with scallops are rare. It is difficult to distribute the scallops evenly –
especially along the curved line at the top of the tulip.
Tulip embellishment with half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

Tulip embellishment with half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

On very large tulip motifs a scallop embellishment along the sides and the bottom is often seen.
Tulip embellishment with half-eyelet scallops of differing sizes. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

Tulip embellishment with half-eyelet scallops of differing sizes. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

Smaller tulip motifs have scallops (if they have them at all) of differing sizes at the top edges,
Tulip embellishment with uniform half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

Tulip embellishment with uniform half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct.

and to achieve a more harmonious effect, a single scallop can be placed at the lower center of the tulip.
Tulip embellishment with uniform half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct. However, it would be more aesthetically pleasing to put a single scallop at the center point, rather than having two scallops meet there.

Tulip embellishment with uniform half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct. However, it would be more aesthetically pleasing to put a single scallop at the center point, rather than having two scallops meet there.

The scallops are worked with Blanket stitches, and the half-eyelet scallop is preferred. Blanket stitch half-eyelet scallops ease the attractive finish.
Heart outlined, except for the bottom and top center, with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, but the density is not. The scallops should have more stitches.

Heart outlined, except for the bottom and top center, with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The thread weight is correct, but the density is not. The scallops should have more stitches.

The scallops should be easy to stitch, that means they should not be too small, nor too large.
Scallops with a radius of 1 cm are perfect. Of course, the scallops must be in proportion to the motif – smaller motifs need smaller scallops. However, a scallop’s radius should not be smaller than ½ cm.
Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. However, they are too large. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct. A larger scallop needs more stitches to become sufficiently covered; it is difficult to get an orderly appearance with so many stitches radiating from the same point.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. However, they are too large. The thread weight and the density of the stitches are both correct. A larger scallop needs more stitches to become sufficiently covered; it is difficult to get an orderly appearance with so many stitches radiating from the same point.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The individual scallops are divided and worked with the appropriate thread weight, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density. The additional embroidered parts also utilize the correct thread weight.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed half-eyelet scallops. The individual scallops are divided and worked with the appropriate thread weight, and the stitches have been worked with the appropriate density. The additional embroidered parts also utilize the correct thread weight.

Larger scallops can be managed by dividing the individual scallops and embroidering both parts separately.
Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed scallops. The scallops have been embroidered using precisely placed Satin stitches.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed scallops. The scallops have been embroidered using precisely placed Satin stitches.

Sometimes scallops are also worked with Satin stitches. This needs much more practice than embroidering with Blanket stitches.
Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed scallops. However, the thread is too thin and the stitch density is not correct.

Circle outlined with uniform and evenly distributed scallops. However, the thread is too thin and the stitch density is not correct.

The thread should not be too thin and the stitches should lie densely together.
Circle outlined with fairly uniform and evenly distributed scallops. The thread weight is correct, but the Blanket stitches could be more dense.

Circle outlined with fairly uniform and evenly distributed scallops. The thread weight is correct, but the Blanket stitches could be more dense.

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How to create a Schwalm design? (1)

By on 22. March 2014   /   blog, Schwalm designs, tips and tricks   /   1 Comment

Typical Schwalm designs consist of many different large motifs of simple figures (heart, tulip, basket, circle, etc.) which are bound together by tendrils, small leaves and small flowers.

First, one must create the outlines of the simple figures.
All motifs mirrored on a vertical axis, for example heart and tulip, are created from a fold-cut.

Therefore, a sheet of card stock or paper board is needed. It is folded along its length.
gefalteter Karton | folded paper board
From the fold, half of the desired motif is drawn and then precisely cut out.

aufgezeichnete Motivhälften | drawn motif halfs
ausgeschnittene Motive | cut motifs

In this way one gets stencils in different shapes and sizes.
Vielfalt an Formen und Größen | variety of shapesTo get circles or segments of circles, a pair of compasses or simple round items may be used.
Hilfsmittel zum Zeichnen | utilities for drawing
Kreise und Kreisabschnitte | cirles and segments of circlesThe stencils are laid upon a sheet of paper and held with one hand while the other hand traces around the shape with a pencil.
Zeichnen entlang der Schablone | tracing around the stencil
In this way the outline of a motif becomes a part of the design.
Konturenlinie | outline design
Please try it! It is very fun to get, for example, different tulip shapes using the fold-cut technique.
You will be astonished and surprised by the wide variety of shapes you will get.

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Iron-Transfer versus direct Tracing

By on 26. October 2013   /   blog, materials and equipment, tips and tricks   /   6 Comments

Because I know that many people prefer tracing the design onto the fabric using water soluble pens, I also wanted to test this method for Schwalm whitework.
I taped the design onto a lightpad. Lightpads are perfect for tracing embroidery patterns onto fabric – also a table with a glass top and a lighted lamp below is suitable.
Leuchtenpaneel mit Musterblatt | LightPad with the design

I marked the lengthwise and crosswise grain lines on a piece of linen (Weddigen linen, 13.5/cm thread count), and carefully positioned this on top of the design which also had perpendicular central lines drawn. The linen, thus positioned, is then taped to the lightpad.

Using a water soluble, extra fine marking pen,
wasserlöslicher Markierstift | water erasable marking pen
extra feine Spitze | extra fine tipI started the tracing. First I used a very light touch. On the fabric, the markings appeared in light dots at an uneven distance. So I then applied a little more pressure. This time, the lines appeared clearly on the fabric – not too fine, but also not too thick. I traced the heart shape first; the result was acceptable. Then I traced the smaller half-circles. If I pressed too hard, the tip of the pen got caught between the fabric threads and the lines became uneven. Even trying to do my best, not all curves came out as I wanted. Often the pen followed the thread line and created straight instead of curved lines.

At first sight, with the design sheet and light below, the result looks acceptable.

nachgezeichnete Kontur | traced designViewed alone and without the light below, the tracing does not look so good. The curves are uneven and sometimes jagged – definitely not smoothly rounded.

Buegel-Abdruck Clover | iron-transfer print CloverFor directly comparision I here show the same design transferred by ironing.

I am able to adjust some of the unevenness by embroidering, but not all.
die Farbe wird nicht abgerieben | the colour did not fadeThe colour did not fade and it was easy to follow the lines.
After finishing the embroidery, I washed it, as the instructions direct, with clear water. At once all colour was gone; the image shows the wet piece after being held under running water for a short time.

sehr schnell und einfach auswaschbar | very easy washable

Nevertheless I boiled it for shrinking. Starched and ironed it looks nice, but a trained eye notices the unevenness.

fertige Arbeit | finished piece

Perhaps this transfer method is better suited for finer fabrics with a more even surface. Another consideration must be made for the intricate Schwalm whitework designs that include small leaves, many tendrils and the half-eyelet scallops; I would not suggest this design transfer method for such designs.

Have you experimented with these products, or others? Then please leave a comment.

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