Editing Embroidery (section)

== Classification ==
[[File:Cross stitch embroidery.jpg|thumb|Tea-cloth, [[Hungary]], mid-20th century|left]]
Embroidery can be classified according to what degree the design takes into account the nature of the base material and by the relationship of stitch placement to the fabric. The main categories are free or [[surface embroidery]], [[counted-thread embroidery]], and needlepoint or canvas work.<ref>{{ cite web|url =http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/10/needlework-terminology-surface-embroidery.html|title =Needlework Terminology: Surface Embroidery|last =Corbet|first =Mary|date =October 3, 2016|access-date =November 1, 2016}}</ref>

In free or surface embroidery, designs are applied without regard to the weave of the underlying fabric. Examples include [[crewel embroidery|crewel]] and traditional Chinese and Japanese embroidery.

[[Counted-thread embroidery]] [[patterns]] are created by making stitches over a predetermined number of threads in the foundation fabric. Counted-thread embroidery is more easily worked on an [[even-weave]] foundation fabric such as embroidery [[canvas]], [[aida cloth]], or specially woven [[cotton]] and [[linen]] fabrics. Examples include [[cross-stitch]] and some forms of [[blackwork embroidery]].

While similar to counted thread in regards to technique, in [[canvas work]] or [[needlepoint]], threads are stitched through a fabric mesh to create a dense pattern that completely covers the foundation fabric.{{sfn|Gillow|Sentance|1999|p=198}} Examples of canvas work include [[Bargello (needlework)|bargello]] and [[Berlin wool work]].

Embroidery can also be classified by the similarity of its appearance. In [[drawn thread work]] and [[cutwork]], the foundation fabric is deformed or cut away to create holes that are then embellished with embroidery, often with thread in the same color as the foundation fabric. When created with white thread on white linen or cotton, this work is collectively referred to as [[whitework]].{{sfn|Reader's Digest|1979|pp=74–91}} However, whitework can either be counted or free. [[Hardanger embroidery]] is a counted embroidery and the designs are often geometric.<ref>{{cite book|author= Yvette Stanton|title= Early Style Hardanger|date= 30 March 2016|publisher=Vetty Creations|isbn=978-0-9757677-7-1}}</ref> Conversely, styles such as [[Broderie anglaise]] are similar to free embroidery, with floral or [[Abstract art|abstract designs]] that are not dependent on the weave of the fabric.<ref>{{cite book|author=Catherine Amoroso Leslie|title=Needlework Through History: An Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lEiGeSLKLjMC&pg=PA58|access-date=13 September 2013|date=1 January 2007|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-313-33548-8|pages=34, 226, 58}}</ref>