Tel Kırma Needles

Tel kırma is a traditional Turkish embroidery from the Bartın region: flat silver or gold-coloured metal strip is broken on tulle with a needle to form motifs. Passing and breaking the strip takes a special sharp, double-eyed tel kırma needle; the double eye holds the strip and the sharp tip passes the tulle without strain. This page gathers every tel kırma needle at Hobianna; the technique guide is in Tel Kırma Needles under Embroidery, tulle in Tel Kırma Tulle, strip in Tel Kırma Wire.

The Tel Kırma Material Set

Tel kırma needs countable open-weave tulle, flat strip (silver, gold, coloured), the double-eyed needle and a frame; the tulle is stretched drum-tight and the motif is counted out. Beginners start with coarse tulle and thick strip; scarf edges, wrapping cloths, prayer rugs and pictures are the most common pieces. The finished work is never ironed: steam it lightly from the back and dry it in the frame.