Video Tutorial for Bullion Knots!
Finally, a video tutorial for bullion knots used in hand embroidery! I've received heaps of requests for this stitch, and I've finally managed a video that isn't all fingers and no needle and thread! To do this, I filmed a bit further back than usual, so the stitch is not as "close up." Still, the method is visible.
The bullion knot needs a little practice to get it just right, and to be able to vary your technique to get the results you desire. Some useful tips before watching the video and trying the stitch:
1. The needle you use in important. While it is not impossible to create bullions with other needles, you'll get easier results with a milliner (or straw) needle. The difference between milliner needles and other needles is that the entire shaft of the needle is the same diameter, so the eye doesn't bulge. This makes it easier to pull the needle through the wraps in the thread. If you don't have a milliner needle, invest in a packet of various sizes. If you want to try the stitch without one, go for it! Just remember that, when you're pulling your needle through the wraps of thread, you'll really want to make certain that it comes through easily, so you may have to relax the tension on the wraps a little bit.
2. When you wrap your threads around the needle, you want them to follow the natural twist of the thread. So, for most stranded cottons and everyday threads, you're going to wrap your thread clockwise around the needle. The way to tell if you're going in the right direction is this: if, as you wrap your thread around the needle, the strands of thread start to untwist and separate, you're going in the wrong direction.
3. If you're having trouble getting the needle through the wraps, you can roll your thumb over the wraps lightly, back and forth, which will loosen them. Another trick is to roll your needle between your finger and thumb, back and forth in small movements, before you pull your thread through.
In the video, I'm using a milliner needle with two strands of stranded cotton (DMC). I'm working on Edinburgh linen (36 ct) which is set up in a hoop. I prefer working bullions in hand, without a hoop, because, as you pull your thread through, you can gauge the "finish" of the stitch by the little pleat that will form in the fabric. Then you simply smooth the pleat out, and the stitch will lie right down. This doesn't really happen in a hoop, but it doesn't matter - you can get results that are just as good in a hoop!
Also, I prefer working bullions on a smaller weave fabric, like a good muslin or a batiste (for little girls' dresses and such) or on doctor's flannel for blankets and whatnot. But that's just a personal preference.
You can do great things with bullions! The A-Z of Bullions put out by Country Bumpkin publications has so many ingenious ideas for the stitch - besides the typical bullion rose bud or rose, you can create teddy bears, clowns, other flowers, and all kinds of neat texturized accents. It's a fun stitch that, with a little practice, will surely become a favorite.
So, here's the video! Enjoy - and let me know what you think. If you think the stitch requires more explanation, don't hesitate to let me know!
For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.
The bullion knot needs a little practice to get it just right, and to be able to vary your technique to get the results you desire. Some useful tips before watching the video and trying the stitch:
1. The needle you use in important. While it is not impossible to create bullions with other needles, you'll get easier results with a milliner (or straw) needle. The difference between milliner needles and other needles is that the entire shaft of the needle is the same diameter, so the eye doesn't bulge. This makes it easier to pull the needle through the wraps in the thread. If you don't have a milliner needle, invest in a packet of various sizes. If you want to try the stitch without one, go for it! Just remember that, when you're pulling your needle through the wraps of thread, you'll really want to make certain that it comes through easily, so you may have to relax the tension on the wraps a little bit.
2. When you wrap your threads around the needle, you want them to follow the natural twist of the thread. So, for most stranded cottons and everyday threads, you're going to wrap your thread clockwise around the needle. The way to tell if you're going in the right direction is this: if, as you wrap your thread around the needle, the strands of thread start to untwist and separate, you're going in the wrong direction.
3. If you're having trouble getting the needle through the wraps, you can roll your thumb over the wraps lightly, back and forth, which will loosen them. Another trick is to roll your needle between your finger and thumb, back and forth in small movements, before you pull your thread through.
In the video, I'm using a milliner needle with two strands of stranded cotton (DMC). I'm working on Edinburgh linen (36 ct) which is set up in a hoop. I prefer working bullions in hand, without a hoop, because, as you pull your thread through, you can gauge the "finish" of the stitch by the little pleat that will form in the fabric. Then you simply smooth the pleat out, and the stitch will lie right down. This doesn't really happen in a hoop, but it doesn't matter - you can get results that are just as good in a hoop!
Also, I prefer working bullions on a smaller weave fabric, like a good muslin or a batiste (for little girls' dresses and such) or on doctor's flannel for blankets and whatnot. But that's just a personal preference.
You can do great things with bullions! The A-Z of Bullions put out by Country Bumpkin publications has so many ingenious ideas for the stitch - besides the typical bullion rose bud or rose, you can create teddy bears, clowns, other flowers, and all kinds of neat texturized accents. It's a fun stitch that, with a little practice, will surely become a favorite.
So, here's the video! Enjoy - and let me know what you think. If you think the stitch requires more explanation, don't hesitate to let me know!
For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.
Labels: Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Sunday, April 15, 2007
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11 Comments:
This site is awesome! I feel like
I'm in school except this time I'm interested! I love it! thanks
Thank you for an excellent tutorial on bullion stitch.
Nerys Purchon
http://gypsysoul-au.blogspot.com/
This is GREAT! I am one of those "visual" people and I LOVE THIS. THANK YOU so much. Jeanette, San Antonio
I can learn stitches in a class and think I know what I am doing - but really don't. I can play this video over and over and then I do know what I am doing. What a great tool for student stitchers.
Thankyou so much for doing this for all of us. It is really helpful to have a visual reference.
I shall be looking in often.
Sue
www.susie1205.blogspot.com
Wow! Very good video instructions accompanied by excellent written hints. Thank you for this site. I'm impressed with the quality as well as the quantity and variety of stitches explained.
I have been embroidering for over 40 years and never been able to master the bullion stitch--always substituted a heavily padded satin and it never gave as good an effect.
This morning I successfully completed the stitches for the first time because of your video tutorial.
Your site is the most useful I have ever seen BAR NONE. Wow, wow, wow!!!
Your tutorials are superb.
Fantastic.
cherryinga@live.com
I am SO GLAD to hear you found the video so helpful!
Thank you for the kind compliment!
I've beeb doing needlework for a very long time. The Bullion Stitch was more like a "stitch in my side". That is until I viewed you video. Now I'm making beautiful Bullion Roses, Bullion Daisies, Bullion Rosebuds and even Bullion Smiley Faces..You Are My HERO...
Ginger
THANK YOU! This stitch has given me problems for years. Your demonstration showed me exactly what I needed to do.
I can't tell you what an invaluable reference is for me and anyone else who accesses it! I echo the comments of the quality of the video and written instructions. I also went to Amazon to order the A~Z of Bullions. The video shows what no illustration on bullions could ever do. Thank you so much for publishing this site. Now, if I could just find the same format for the silk ribbon embroidery I would be in absolute heaven. Lol
Carol K.
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