Satin stitch is often one of the first stitches that you’ll come across when getting into embroidery. Which lulled me into thinking it’s an “easy” stitch. Actually, I found it one of the trickiest stitches to work to the standard expected by the Royal School of Needlework for my certificate piece. Maybe that’s just me […]
Today I thought it’d be fun to go behind the scenes and share with you my design process for a new embroidery. As with so many things in life, good preparation makes for a much better result! I like to make things as tangible for you as possible. So I’ll be focusing on the process
When I was first learning how to stitch Turkey rug stitch, I struggled to find a tutorial that I clicked with. So I’m hoping that if you’re in a similar boat, that this tutorial will help you! Once you’ve got the steps figured out, I don’t think this is a difficult stitch. However I did
Thinking across all my stitching, backstitch has probably been one of my most used stitches over the years. If you’ve done any cross stitch, you’ve probably noticed that it’s regularly used to add details. Also, as backstitch is a very secure stitch, it’s my default stitch for hand sewing fabrics together. And of course I’ve
I’ve just finished writing a coral stitch tutorial for a new pattern and kit (more on that near the end…). So I thought it’d be a good time to add it to my web tutorials as well! I especially like using coral stitch to add some texture to my embroidery. I’ll talk more about how
How would you categorise fly stitch? I’ve used it to create a decorative line. As a filling stitch. Also as a stand alone, detached stitch. So I guess you could say it’s pretty versatile! As well as all that, changing the angles and spacing of your stitches can create different effects. So one row of
In my tutorials on stem stitch, raised stem band and buttonhole stitch I briefly mentioned how you could smoothly switch between these stitches. As I use this a fair bit, I wanted to go into more detail to make sure it’s clear. So I’ve put together a quick eye embroidery pattern to demonstrate! I think
French knots have a reputation of being a bit tricky. But I also know plenty of embroiderers who love them! I’ve found a couple of simple tips that make them nice and easy, so if you’ve been struggling with this stitch read on… How to stitch Bring your needle up where you want your knot.
I think burden stitch is a lovely stitch for filling large or small areas of your embroidery. It creates a good texture and can be stitched in different ways to mix it up and create different effects. I’ve always found the name a bit funny though. I guess my mind goes to the context of
Buttonhole stitch is a good one to learn as there are all sorts of fun ways you can use it to create different effects in your embroidery. You might also know it as blanket stitch. Given the name, it’s obviously got some functional uses. I’ve come to realise it’s also got quite a lot of
