When stitches are worked close together, a solid shadow appears through right side of fabric. For fine detailing use one ply of embroidery floss with number 7 or finer crewel needle with a hoop or frame. Silk and cotton embroidery yarns make best shadow effects. Additional plys will make colors stronger. Petals and leaves are filled in with shadow stitch.
Subtle effects occur when white floss is used on white fabrics.
Thread may be matched to background color. Greens may be used for stems and leaves while flower petals may be stitched in colors. Shadow embroidery works best on designs where petals and leaves do not overlap. Block letters for monograms adapt to shadow stitch. Parallel lines in design aid in structuring shadow effect.