A tiny introduction to
embroidery b y
H o l l y
M a s o n
introduction
For me the most important thing about embroidery is relaxing and enjoying the process, don’t worry if it takes a while to get your head around things, lots of practice will eventually get you there. Sometimes I sit down and have no idea what I’m going to embroider or have any idea what the outcome will look like, just sitting back and enjoying the process is what matters as a beginner.
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contents Materials and tools you will need ------ running stitch -----xxxxxx cross stitch xxxxxx cccccc chain stitch cccccc xxx
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needle
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&scissors 5
running
The running stitch is the most simple starting stitch. After threading your needle (and tying a small knot at the end) push your needle up through the back of the material, and after a small space, push back through to the back of the material again and pull the thread tight (but not too tight mind!) You now have a simple running stitch, now try to make a line of running stitches.
start (up)
end (down)
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x
stitch
This stitch is most commonly used for outlines and writing, and can be used in varied weight of line by taking away threads from your embroidery floss. Embroidery floss is as standard six threads joined together to make a bigger thread. If you want a thinner line remove threads accordingly. I normally use the whole six threads for a nice bold outline or three threads for a thinner more detailed outline.
x x
full line 7
cross
This stitch is similar to the first, although after pushing your needle through the material, you push it back through on a diagonal to the first, about the same distance as the first stitch we did before. You then push your needle back up through the material below where you made the first hole of the first stitch, and down again diagonally to form a cross. Now try to make a line of cross stitches. (p.s it is a lot easier if you always start and end at the same place in the stitch to make them look consistent)
start end (up)
(down)
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x
stitch
This stitch is most commonly used in a different type of embroidery, cross stitching, where the thread is stitched into a different material called Aida. This has small holes all over forming little squares to make it easier to form uniform cross stitches. Cross stitch patterns can be found easily on the internet or bought in a craft store to make a whole image from different coloured cross stitches.
x x
full line 9
chain
The chain stitch is a little more complex than the other stitches, but has a beautiful outcome. You start by pushing up the needle through the material as the others, but then pushing your needle back through the hole you just created, and before pulling all the way through you keep a little loop on top on the material, and moving slightly along push back up inside the loop and pull tight, you then need to push your needle back through the hole you just came through, but ensuring the loop is tightly held down with this stitch.
end (down)
start (up)
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x
stitch
x x
This stitch is my favourite stitch, (don’t worry it took me ages to get my head around too) it is lovely for joining them together to make a chain stitch, which is a fancier alternative for outlines and text, as well as joining them together at the middle allows for a lovely flower shape to form. Sometimes I just sit and stitch these all over my clothes to give them a new little lease of life. Happy Stitching!! xxx
full line 11
thank you
@tinyhol_x_embroidery
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