Stitch it Up!
If you want to create unique fabric, add texture and interest to your projects, or personalise your work, add embroidery. Stitching is satisfying and a great way to relax – you don’t have to be an expert, just start with a few simple stitches. Here are some ideas to get started.
Take a gorgeous printed fabric. Pick out an area of the print you’d like to highlight and either outline it with a line stitch or fill it in – satin stitch is a great filler but you could also use seed stitch or rows of chain stitch. This furnishing fabric, which is an Ink & Spindle design, will be made up into a cushion and the hand embroidery will add texture, colour and interest … maybe there’ll be a touch of blue in the piping?
This hand painted fabric was created in a class with Saffron Craig. I wanted to make a background fabric to stitch so here it is. There’s no skill to the painting, just splodges and circles but it makes an effective background and you can use iridescent paints to add interest to some highlights.
Pick out areas of the fabric pattern and just start stitching. Avoid too much planning – just let it grow. Running stitch outlines, blanket stitch circles, colonial knots and straight stitches used in combination are a great way to start.
I used plain Perle thread to start then found these luscious Sue Spargo threads by Wonderfil. They come in single spools or packs of plain and variegated colour which adds even more interest.
Here’s the final piece which will be used to make a purse or cover a notebook.
Handy LINKS for stitching:
Here’s our sheet of stitch instructions, click this link.
DMC threads have a nice stitch guide with lots of tips.
Sue Spargo threads are available from Wonderfil Specialty Threads at our craft events.