In hand embroidery, the candlewicking effect is created by stitching large knots with a heavier-weight thread. In Colonial times, these knots were actually stitched with unwaxed thread that was used for dipping and making candles -- thus the term "candlewicking" was born. This technique added interesting detail and elegant dimension to embroidered pieces.

Today candlewicking designs for embroidery machines don't use knots or extremely thick thread. No special materials or techniques are required. Instead, the candlewicking effect is done with satin stitch "dots" that are digitized as part of the design.

In the design to the right, the candlewicking effect is the blue dots that surround the flowers.

Years ago candlewicking was done as tone-on-tone embroidery, or "whitework." It was often used on bed linens and curtains. Because the stitches were knots of thicker thread, candle-wicking was rarely used in garments or kitchen linens (too bulky and scratchy!). In the mid-1800s the candlewicking effect appeared on bodices of dresses in the form of "French knots."

There's much more versatility when stitching a candlewicking design on an embroidery machine today. Because the candlewicking effect is made by the machine with smooth satin stitches, these designs can be used anywhere you'd like. Keep it traditional by incorporating the designs into bed linens and curtains; and, bring a classic look to garments, kitchen towels, quilts, and wall hangings as well.

On the color change sheets for the candle-wicking designs you'll find a reference to "heavier" thread, such as 30 weight thread. As you may know, most embroidery designs are digitized for 40 weight rayon or polyester thread.

However, you can use a slightly heavier thread -- 30 weight cotton -- to achieve a heartier look to the candlewicking effect. When stitching on fabric backed with one piece of cutaway stabilizer, no thread tension changes should be necessary when working with this slightly heavier thread. (Using tear-away stabilizer may require changes to top thread tension when using heavier thread; use cutaway stabilizer for best results.)

Using 30 weight cotton thread is optional, and not required. Try both types of thread to see which one you like best!

In some of the candlewicking designs, the satin stitch "dots" are an accent to the design. Reference the color change sheet for the design and note the step that says "candlewicking." If you wish, you can skip or delete that color stop to stitch the design without the candlewicking effect.

In some designs, such as the one shown to the right, the candlewicking "dots" are intrinsic to the design. The cherry design to the right uses candlewicking "dots" to shape the leaves. It would be best not to omit the candlewicking step in this particular design.

Candlewicking designs can be stitched on a wide variety of fabrics, from lightweight silk and satin to sturdy denim and duck cloth. Use one piece of cutaway stabilizer (medium weight, 2.5 ounces) for excellent results.

Wanda loved the Water Lily and Swans design, but decided to change the design to add a fairy tale flavor. Using an embroidery editing program, Wanda removed the swans from the original design and inserted frogs instead.

She stitched the design onto a polka-dot fabric, and the white candlewicking "dots" coordinate perfectly!

To see more of Wanda's prince of a bag, click here.

Mary from the UK made a luscious tote bag with a monogram and a strawberry candlewicking design.

A berry-red lining matches the fruit perfectly. Mary used tone-on-tone stitches for the candlewicking portion of the design.

Beautifully done, Mary!

Fewer things are more delicious on a kitchen towel than fresh fruit. Mary used designs from the Strawberry Candlewicking pack to freshen up a set of kitchen towels.

Tasty and tantalizing! The bright berry red really "pops" on the towels. Well done, Mary!

Deb is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Embroidery Library, Inc.

Deb has a special fondness for bringing classical, historical, and cultural embroidery styles and techniques into the machine embroidery era.

Sadly, her attempts to create a machine embroidery needle that will stitch French knots have, to date, been fruitless.