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Mary Corbet

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I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

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  • How-To
    Videos

    Over 75 Embroidery Stitch Videos to Help You Learn

  • Embroidery Tips & Techniques

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November 8, 2010

Embroidered Spot Sampler Update

 

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I’m in a tight fix. I’ve let the spot sampler slide a bit, because at one point, I had gotten pretty far ahead on it… so I haven’t embroidered on it for quite a while. But rats. My students are almost caught up with me! This week, they’re filling in a few leaf motifs and learning the stitches associated with those, and then they’ll be where I am.

This could be a good thing. It could also be a bad thing. It could be a good thing, because it might motivate me to move ahead quickly with some stitching. It could be a bad thing, because I don’t have a lot of time for stitching right now! But I’m pretty certain I’m not supposed to fall behind my students. Hmmmm……

In the meantime, I thought I’d show you what my spotty spot sampler looks like. This isn’t really my favorite type of stitching, but I have enjoyed working on the sampler. I just need to get back to it!

Hand Embroidered Spot Sampler
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November 7, 2010

ThreadworX Hand Embroidery Threads – Here’s a Look!

 

Are you familiar with ThreadworX embroidery threads? ThreadworX has an extensive line of different types of overdyed threads for hand embroidery, so if you love overdyed threads, you might want to take a look at what they offer. I’ve been playing with some ThreadworX threads, and while I was at it, I thought a few photos were in order, to entice you!

Well, what can I say? I’m a thread junkie. You know I am. And I’m not afraid to admit it!

ThreadworX Hand Embroidery Threads
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How To Videos

November 5, 2010

How to Use a Laying Tool Video Tutorial

 

A laying tool is an instrument used in hand embroidery to help keep multiple strands of thread that are being used at one time, flat and parallel. It can be used for a number of stitches, but I use it especially for satin stitch when stitching with multiple threads. It’s also used extensively in Japanese embroidery (the tool is called a tekobari) to stroke flat silk, and in cross stitch and needlepoint as well. Pretty much any needlework technique that involves a smooth-lying stitch made from multiple strands of floss would benefit from the use of a laying tool.

Using a Laying Tool in Hand Embroidery
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How To Videos

November 4, 2010

Video Tutorial: Scroll Stitch

 

Here’s a video tutorial for the scroll stitch. While working on refurbishing the How-to Videos here on Needle ‘n Thread, and going through the list a gazillion times to try to remember what’s there and what’s not, I was surprised that somehow, I missed this stitch! So, finally, I’m adding it to the collection.

Scroll stitch is a line stitch – it makes very pretty decorative lines, curves, and so forth, that look scalloped.

Scroll Stitch Video Tutorial
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Uncategorized

November 3, 2010

Cretan Stitch – Close it Up!

 

Cretan stitch gets a bad rap, in my opinion. It’s normally demonstrated open, with the stitches spread out so that they look kind of like a pointed and twisted herringbone stitch. And that’s all well and fine – but cretan stitch can do more than form decorative lines. When worked closed, it can fill up a space pretty effectively. It’s a perfect stitch for leaf shapes, for filled bars, petals, and so forth. Don’t underestimate the cretan stitch in its versatility!

Cretan Stitch as a Filling
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Uncategorized

November 2, 2010

Next Embroidery Projects Lining Up!

 

This past Sunday, I posted a bit about an embroidery design that I’m looking forward to playing around with and adapting for a project. Thanks for all your input on that! I appreciate your comments and some very good ideas that I received both on the website and via e-mail! But I’m afraid I jumped ahead a bit…

My next, next project, which I have only slightly mentioned once, is this:

Hand Embroidery Design: Tulips & Carnations
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November 1, 2010

Developing a Spot Sampler: Filling Patterns

 

Last time we visited the spot sampler, we added some herringbone stitch to the sampler. Today, we’ll look at some filling techniques that work well on even-weave ground fabric. Specifically, we’ll look at darned fillings (uh… darned as in the darning stitch, which is really just running stitch), some lattice work, cloud filling, and others.

Most of the filling techniques I worked on my sampler are in 1″ squares, but some of my students worked some 2″ x 1″ rectangles – and other various sizes. You can work any size filled area you’d like, and you can get creative with your fillings, too, and incorporate them with other stitches on your sampler.

Geometric filling patterns for hand embroidery
Continue reading “Developing a Spot Sampler: Filling Patterns”