Shading
Shading is the aanbrandgand of kortoo, eofdwijdige stitches om schaduw, vorm or structure too suggererand.
Definition
Shading is an embroidery application in which parallel, curved or crossing lines of stitching suggest tone and structure. The space between the stitches remains visible, creating shadow without completely filling an area. The direction, length and density of the lines determine whether a shape looks rounded, flat, soft or more graphic. Shading can be worked with short straight stitches, backstitches or subtle changes of thread.
When to use
Use shading for leaves, animals, faces, lettering and other motifs that need a light or shadow effect. It is also useful when you want a sketch-like appearance and would like the fabric to remain visible. Choose contrasting thread for clear lines or a shade close to the fabric colour for a softer result. Build up the shadow in layers on larger shapes so that you can adjust it as you go.
Common mistakes
Changing direction at random makes shading untidy and obscures the shape. Using the same spacing between the lines everywhere also creates little depth. Avoid very long loose stitches on delicate fabric, as they can catch. Too much dark shading at once can make a motif look harsh; work gradually from light to dark and leave enough calm space.
Practical tips
Decide beforehand where the light is coming from and make all the shadows follow it. If useful, draw a few light guidelines in pencil or with a wash-away marker. Begin with the lightest, most widely spaced stitches, then add closer lines where the shadow needs to be deeper. Vary your stitch length deliberately but in a controlled way. A test piece with two colours quickly shows which density creates the desired volume.
