July 15, 2015

Choosing the Right Fabric for Hand Embroidery

A frequently asked question here on Needle ‘n Thread is what fabric to choose for hand embroidery projects.

We’ve talked about testing specific ground fabrics for hand embroidery before (here and here, for example), we’ve discussed linen for embroidery numerous times (here and here are two articles with a lot of information in them), and we’ve discussed building a swatch collection of fabrics that are suitable for embroidery, but in all the years we’ve been chatting about embroidery together, I’ve never itemized what I look for in a ground fabric specifically for hand embroidery.

I thought I’d do that today and open up the topic for discussion. Most embroiderers have their favorite fabrics that they gravitate towards, so I’d love to hear about the fabrics you like to use for surface embroidery, the fabrics you avoid for surface embroidery projects, and the whys and wherefores behind your thoughts.

Here are my thoughts on the subject – I hope you join in with yours!

Choosing the right fabric for hand embroidery projects

Hand Embroidery Tutorials

July 14, 2015

Stitch Fun! Beaded Cast-On Stitch

Lately, we’ve looked at quite a few simple ways to add beads to embroidery stitches as part of the Stitch Fun! series here on Needle ‘n Thread.

In this exploration of embroidery with beads, if you could take away just one lesson from the various tutorials, I’d want it to be this:

It’s easy to add beads to practically any embroidery stitch.

Sometimes, we think embroidery is Much More Complicated than it really is. And adding another element to it – like beads – can seem daunting. But the key is to try – play with your stitches and see what you can come up with! Really, there’s not a lot to it, when it comes to adding beads to any embroidery stitch.

Case in point: adding beads to cast-on stitch. I’ll show you how simple it is!

Beaded Cast-On Stitch Tutorial for Embroidery

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July 13, 2015

A Long-Overdue Finish: the Redwork Runner!

There are times when I think I really should rouse myself from my photo-taking lethargy and aspire to be of those Really Awesome Bloggers who knows how to stage every photo perfectly, with the embroidery perfectly situated in a perfect setting, perfectly finished and perfectly perfect.

Instead, I usually grab my needlework finishes in pictures at about the moment of finishing. It’s the excitement, the relief of reaching the end of a project, I suppose.

With the Hungarian Redwork Runner, I had dreams of setting a beautiful table, replete with flower arrangements, candles, good dishes, and – down the middle in all its redwork glory – the Hungarian Redwork Runner, starched and pressed and pristine.

Instead, I draped the piece over my trestles with a bunch of other projects and snapped some shots. Then I flung it on a piece of furniture and snapped some shots.

And that’s what you get today!

Hungarian Redwork Embroidery Table Runner - Finished

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July 10, 2015

Stylized Pomegranate in Pearl & Goldwork Embroidery

Whether it’s a stitch tutorial that brings clarification or a free embroidery pattern that provides inspiration, nothing warms the cockles of my wee little heart more than seeing Needle ‘n Thread put to good use!

Today, I want to share with you a piece of pearl and goldwork embroidery worked by Larissa Borodich.

Larissa used this stylized pomegranate design as the foundation of her project and interpreted it using pearl embroidery and goldwork.

The outcome is lavish and splendid!

Pearl and goldwork embroidery - stylized pomegranate design

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July 9, 2015

The Finished R Monogram

After yesterday’s True Confessions about the small monogram sample that went from an hour-long project to an almost-five-hour-long project – and all the doubts and discoveries along the way – I thought I’d share the finished monogram with you.

Upon finishing the embroidery on the little R and blocking it, I drew some more conclusions about it.

One may surprise you!

Hand Embroidered Monogram R with Tulip - worked in floche

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July 8, 2015

The Devolution of an Embroidery Sample – Lessons Learned

It started out as a quick sample meant to show off an embroidery thread.

One of those “this will only take an hour (or so)” sort of embroidered samples.

You know the kind: You want to test something new: an embroidery thread, a type of fabric, maybe a technique. Or you want to demonstrate a point: this thread works well in this scenario, or this fabric is perfect for that type of project.

And you think it’ll only take an hour or so to whip up your sample and establish your conclusions.

I’ll tell you something, between you and me: any time you think it will “only” take an hour or so to stitch up a sample, go ahead and second guess yourself.

Why? Because invariably, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be wrong. It’ll take significantly longer than you ever intended, you’ll wander down one diverging path after another until your hour turns into a day, and your day turns into two, and you’ll reach every other conclusion but the one you set out to establish.

Case in point: this monogram.

R Monogram with Tulip, embroidered with floche

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July 7, 2015

Sewing vs. Stabbing: Two Methods of Stitching

How do you embroider? Do you sew your stitches, or do you stab your stitches?

Today, I want to chat a bit about these two methods of embroidering a stitch. Chances are, you habitually gravitate towards one method or the other when you stitch.

Both methods have their merits! Let’s look at the differences between these two methods of stitching, and then I’ll tell you which one I habitually use and why. I hope you’ll chime in with your preferences!

Stabbing vs Sewing: Two Methods of Stitching

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

Choosing the Right Fabric for Hand Embroidery

Stitch Fun! Beaded Cast-On Stitch

A Long-Overdue Finish: the Redwork Runner!

Stylized Pomegranate in Pearl & Goldwork Embroidery

The Finished R Monogram

The Devolution of an Embroidery Sample – Lessons Learned

Sewing vs. Stabbing: Two Methods of Stitching

Connect with Mary

How-To Videos

Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Connect with Mary

How-To
Videos