Creating a Rich Foundation for Chaos Embroidery

Why Backgrounds Matter

Your background is much more than simply fabric.

It is the first layer of your artwork and establishes texture, colour, depth, and visual interest before any decorative stitching begins.

The techniques in this module are designed to be flexible and can be applied to many different textile projects, including:

  • Slow stitch journals

  • Snippet rolls

  • Mounted textile art

  • Fabric books

  • Mixed media pieces

  • Quilts

  • Wearable art

  • Home décor

Think of each sample in this course as a building block that can become part of something larger

Key Takeaway

Your background isn't just something you stitch on—it becomes part of the finished artwork.

The more intention, texture, and story you build into the foundation, the more depth and richness your finished chaos embroidery will have.

Indigo and rust dyed fabrics.

  • I primarily work with woven fabrics because they accept dye, paint, and stitching beautifully.

    My favourites include:

    • Cotton muslin (calico)

    • Cotton canvas

    • Linen

    These fabrics can be used:

    • plain

    • dyed

    • painted

    • stitched

    • layered

    • collaged

  • Before decorative stitching, consider adding texture by:

    • Textile collage

    • Kantha-inspired running stitches

    • Natural dyeing

    • Eco-printing

    • Acrylic paint washes

    • Stencilling

    • Lettering

    • Metallic foil

    • Printed fabrics

  • Finished stitched pieces can be mounted onto many different surfaces.

    Ideas include:

    • Linen panels

    • Canvas panels

    • Linen-covered boards

    • Encaustic panels

    • Eco-printed paper

    • Cyanotype paper

    • Gel prints

    • Paste papers

    • Book cloth

    • Cork

    • Handmade papers

    Natural surfaces often enhance the warmth and handmade quality of stitched textiles.