Hardanger Embroidery Pattern resources

[Amanda Hall]

Wow, when I decided I wanted to try Hardanger, I did not know how scarce patterns would be.  I see some beautiful work, but trying to find a pattern to stitch is like GOOD LUCK.  I have collected a few books and magazines, but this particular hobby is limited, not like say knitting & crochet books or sewing books! 

I am working on a piece I found out of the Burda Special Hardanger Magazine that I found on e-bay, and it is my first attempt.  I made the mistake of using size 5 pearl cotton on a 28 count fabric and I did not work over 2 threads, but one.  I am going to keep going because although the threads are tight, it doesn't look bad.   

Oh well, I guess that is why Hardanger appeals to me because it is very unique and beautiful, and you know what they say...If it was easy, everyone would do it!

[Susan in Texas]

Don't be intimidated by hardanger books published in foreign languages either.  I find it fairly easy to just use the illustrations to go by.  And if you're really stumped, you could always type the foreign phrases into google translate to get past any tricky bits.  Anything for a beautiful pattern!

[Louise Desmarais]

Hi Susan,
The translation available on the Web aren't always helful. I tried to translate things from my kit bought in Norway to French and I did not have good results.
I found what I needed to know searching in books that I already had.

[Louise Desmarais]

I have found lots of resources for patterns in Hardanger. Do you know about Nordic Needle.  They specialise in Hardanger.

www.nordicneedle.com

You can also find lots of nice things on the web.  I have a nice book, from where I have done a few nice things. But it is in French. If you read French, I strongly recommand it:  Merveilleuse broderie Hardanger, by Hiroko Takeuchi, Éditions de Saxe.2010

[Renee Glass]

If any of you are interested, http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/ is a great resource for all kinds of embroidery books.  I have downloaded a number of the hardanger books - they are all old books but have some lovely ideas in them.

[Louise Desmarais]

Hi Renee,
Thanks for the info. I have a few of those old books that someone gave me. But I will take time to look at the others.

[Louise Desmarais]

Hi Amanda,
On the first piece I made, I did and undid so many times at first, because I wasn't counting properly. I thought at first that the blocks were 5 stitches over 5 threads. But I kept going and I succeded. Now I have problems learning to make the picots properly, but I am sure I will become proficient
Louise

[Vera]

Hi Louise

did you have a look here ?

Tutoral

Happy stitching

Vera

[Barbara Gordon]

Follow Carroll's suggestion.  I just love the Nordic Needle, and have gotten most of my books, materials, and patterns from them over the years.  Very dependable.  At there site they have a 800 number where you can even call them....good luck!  I love to do Hardanger.