Counted-thread embroidery

Counted-thread embroidery is any embroidery in which the number of warp and weft yarns in a fabric are methodically counted for each stitch, resulting in uniform-length stitches and a precise, uniform embroidery pattern.^[1] Even-weave fabric is typically used, producing a symmetrical image, as both warp and weft yarns are evenly spaced.

Counted cross-stitch embroidery, Hungary, mid-20th century

The opposite of counted-thread embroidery is free embroidery.

Types of counted-thread embroidery

Among the counted-thread embroidery techniques are:

• Assisi
• Bargello, or Florentine work
• Blackwork
• Canvas work
• Cross-stitch
• Hardanger
• Needlepoint
• Drawn thread work
• Tatreez