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What I like about Nizanka is that it has an eqally good reverse side, if not the same

I am still in the process of revealing and exploring this very ancient yet still popular in my native land technique, so let’s do it together.

My first design Lucky Charm Bookmark (adapted from the original pattern taken from my own piece of garment, purchased long ago back home) is published in the Fall-2012 issue of the ANPT magazine.

Talisman for a Baby design - is in the Spring-2014 issue.

Traveń Table Runner design - is in the Summer-2015 issue

New patterns are coming...

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It is as unique as it is beautiful and can be both simple and intricate to do

I will be happy to hear any feedback from you and to answer any questions.

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Belarusan Motifs                Collection

To date, my designing work consisted in transforming Belarusan traditional patterns into modern stitching techniques and stiles. But I have often been asked if there is a specific, distinctive type of Belarusan stitching technique. Today, I am ready to say, “Yes, it exists”, and to introduce it to the readers of the ANPT magazine, bringing it up for Canadian stitchers.

I am still in the process of revealing and exploring this very ancient yet still popular in my native land technique, so let’s do it together and here is my first lesson and first quite simple design.

So. Belarusan Wicker Stitch – in the country of its origin, is called Nizanka*, which comes from the working method of “za-niza-ti” meaning “to wicker into” – is as easy as beautiful, as well as unique and intricate to do. The technique is widely spread in Belarus; it is used for decorating traditional towels, garments and linens. Nizanka carries out geometrical patterns in a specific method giving them the peculiar ‘Belarusish’ look.

It reminds the reboric weaving, and actually, is widely used in weaving, as well. Traditionally, there are two color work options used: red and white, or light gray and white (natural flax colors); occasionally 2 or 3 rows are done in black color.

The visual effect of Belarusan Nizanka is that of Satin stitch, but it differs in its stitch technique. While Satin stitch concentrates on each motif or pattern at a time, Belarusan Nizanka involves carrying the thread for the entire width or length of the design at a time. The patterns are created by using rows of strait running stitches of long and short length. Each row can be repeated 2 to 6 times. The stitches are done row by row.

The lesson will make this point clear. Try to stitch a small sample before... for the short online lesson go here

To learn about next scheduled in-person lessons at CreativeFestival, visit my Facebook Page here or my CF Blog here

Detailed, step-by-step online Tutorial is available for reading, free downloading and printing now here

 or on this website here (6 files)

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Belarusan Nizanka Tutorial

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Belarusan Nizanka

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Advantages (and/or disadvantages) of Nizanka technique:

- The main advantage is that is has an equally good reverse side, if not the same.

- No hiding ends of threads is necessary. They can be left loose and then used for fringed or tasseled finishing with the ripen fabric threads along.

- No hoop is necessary.

Notes:

- My first model (its pattern is published in the ANPT magazine) is done on linen fabric of beige color. Threads used are DMC Pearl.

Though, as I am in process of exploring of the possibilities of Nizanka technique, I have to confess, that the materials were chosen spontaneously. So, neither materials types nor colors are the point. I will be glad to have a hear from someone who has experimented with another materials and colors, and methods of finishing, as well.

- If you prefer to have both sides of your work show up as the 'right side', it is best to use the ‘stab’ method instead of the darning stitch. Pull each stitch through the fabric completely, otherwise the working thread won’t be clearly seen at the other side.

- The length of the thread should be determined before a row of the pattern is started. A good guide to use is 2 times the length of the row. Once the row has been worked, you may adjust subsequent lengths of threads for next rows.

*Besides Nizanka (нізанка),there are few other names for this technique in Belarusan language: Prociahe (процяг), Naciahe (нацяг), Nabor (набор) and others .

Counted stitch patterns

designed and worked by

Iryna Varabei

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