Transcripts
1. Welcome : Hello. Welcome to my class. My name is Ruth, and I'm
passionate about stitching, repurposing fabrics
and vintage textiles. In this class, we
will be practicing our stitches by creating a
sampler similar to this one. It's a more
contemporary style than perhaps the bonds you
see in books or museums. It's a fun way to create stitches and take away the
worry of being perfect. The idea is to relax and enjoy the meditative process
of slow stitching. I have chosen very
common stitches which are not too difficult. My stitching is not
perfect by any means, but that doesn't worry me. I enjoy the relaxation
and peace it brings me. And there's always
something pretty to enjoy when the
project is finished. Here are some
examples of my work, but I have used the same
stitches as in my sampler. I hope you enjoy
following my process. You can do your own thing, or if you're feeling
a bit nervous, you can use the
template and map of my stitches I have included
in the description. All the stitches are
numbered to make it easier. I decided to separate
the lessons into each stitch to make it
easier for you to follow. When I was stitching
the sampler, I had no plan and
chose stitches and threads according to what
I thought looked best. You can do this too, and really, it's part of the slow
stitching process.
2. Project : Class project, Bob to slow stitch a sampler
similar to mine, using a variety of threads, yarns, ribbons, and beads. The most important
thing is to have fun and enjoy the
process. Take your time. Don't worry about
imperfections, keep going, and you will find you
will go with the flow and become completely absorbed
in the meditative process. Post your products to the class, so we can all enjoy them. I love seeing other
people's work as there's always something
to learn and to admire.
3. Materials and Equipment : It will make your
finished project much more interesting if you choose a variety of
threads, wools, ribbons. DMC six stranded cotton, per cotton size eight
and 12 are a good start, but use whatever you have. Sewing cotton and knitting
wool thicker than fool ply are not suitable for
stitching in this project. But you can use thick
wool for couching, which I demonstrate in a lesson. I've used narrow ribbon
for couching too. I've also kept my colors to a minimum shades
of green and pink. I decided to use a six
inch hoop because I wanted to design a sampler
in a circular shape, but it's not strictly
necessary to use one, especially if you
use the template. However, the hoop keeps
the fabric nice and, therefore making it easier to keep your stitches
neat and straight. I recommend choosing a piece of woven cotton or linen fabric. For the class, I'm using a piece of cotton
curtain lining. The idea of the
template is to help you plan your sampler or follow
mine if you want to. It's included in the
description for you to print. I make the pattern by piercing holes into the lines
on the template and then marking the fabric by using my heat erasable
pen in the holes. I've also included a
map of my stitches. If you're nervous about getting started or choosing stitches, you can do the same as me.
4. Lesson 1 Tips and Split Stitch : In the first lesson, I
am demonstrating how to separate DMC six
stranded cotton. This will depend on how many
strands you want to use. Here I am splitting it
into two sets of three. It's always best to start
in the middle as there's less likelihood of the
thread becoming tangled. I like to use a quilters knot
when I'm sewing as it is small and secure and lies
flat against the fabric. Splittitch is a fundamental
embroidery technique known for its versatility and
the fine detailed lines it. It's particularly effective for outing and filling in shape. U. While I'm tying off my thread, I secure it by swing into
the back of a stitch, forming a loop, pulling the needle through
the loop, and a knot. I usually do this twice. Oh
5. Lesson 2 Back Stitch: The backstitch is a nice, strong stitch, ideal for seams. It's also useful for outlining shapes and creating
decorative lines. Here, you can see me adding
a lazy daisy stitch, creating a stem with leaves.
6. Lesson 3 Blanket Stitch : Blanket stitch is primarily to finish edges of fabric
and to attach applique. But it is also a
decorative stitch, which can provide
interesting textures and shapes to your project. Here, I have intertwined
the stitching, using different colors,
creating a ladder effect. Oh. Oh. Oh.
7. Lesson 4 Chain Stitch: Hatch can be used for
outlining shapes, c decorative borders, and filling in areas
with a textured look. With practice, you'll
find it a useful and attractive addition to your
embroidery techniques. Oh Oh Oh.
8. Lesson 5 Cross Stitch : This is a counted thread
form of embroideery, ed to build blocks of
color when creating images as decoration
on tablecloths, clothing and for wall art. I use it decoratively
to create texture, joining pieces of fabric
together and as a filler. Oh Oh. Oh.
9. Lesson 6 Couching : Couching is a decorative
embroidery technique, where threads or yarns are laid on the surface of the
fabric and fastened in place with small stitches of a different,
often finer thread. This technique allows
for the use of thicker, more textured or more elaborate threads that may be difficult to pass through
the fabric itself. I also like to use ribbon
when I'm couching. You can see in my sampler where I've used
the piece of silk, pink ribbon and couched it
with a pale pink thread. Couching is great
for creating and outlining shapes and
fulfilling in areas. It can add and texture, depending on your
choice of threats. O O. Oh Oh
10. Lesson 7 Fern and Fly Stitches: The fen stitch is a decorative embroideery
stitch that creates a delicate branching effect resembling the fronts of a fern. It's perfect for
creating foliage and other organic shapes in
your embroideery projects. Oh Oh. Oh. Oh. The fly stitch is a versatile embroidery
stitch that resembles a and is
often used to c, wings, or other delicate shapes. The more eagle eye of you will notice that I have replaced
the herring bone stitch, the pale pink with
the fly stitch. This is because I think it
fits the space better. Oh.
11. Lesson 8 French Knots: French knots are a beautiful and useful embroidery technique used to create small
textured dots on fabric. It might take a few tries to get the tension and
placement just right, so don't get discouraged. The secret to a good
French knot is to keep tension in the thread
in your non stitching hand, and to try and wrap the
thread around the needle consistently so that
there's no extra loops. It does take a brit of practice, and if you look at
my French knots, you'll see there's extra
loops all over the place. But don't worry about
that. Just keep going. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh
12. Lesson 9 Herringbone Stitch: The herring bone stitch is
often used for borders, seams, and filling large areas. It creates a zig
zag pattern that resembles the bones of a
herring fish, hence the name. Oh Oh I decided here to add some or whip stitches to
wrap the herringbone stitch, to add another color
and layer of texture. Oh. Here, I'm adding a
French knot to the point of each in the
herringbone stitch. I just wanted to add another
texture and color to make the stitch more interesting. H
13. Lesson 10 Lazy Daisy Stitch: Lazy Daisy stitch, also known
as a detached chain stitch, is a simple and popular
embroidery stitch, that is often used
to create flowers, petals, leaves, and
other decorative motifs. I think it's my favorite stitch. And if you look
closely at my sampler, you'll see I've used
it several times. O Oh. O I add stems using straight and
leaves t to my flowers, finishing with a French
knot in the center. Oh Oh Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.
14. Lesson 11 Pistil Stitch: The pistol stitch, also known as the long tailed French
knot or Pico stitch, is a combination of a French
knot and a straight stitch, creating a decorative
and dimensional effect, perfect for adding detail to floral and
botanical embroidery. Oh Oh Oh Here, I'm keeping the stitch simple, criss crossing the stitches, to create an interesting effect. But the stitch can
be used for filling in spaces and building texture. The secret is to keep tension on the in your non stitching hand. I always have difficulty with the stitch. H. Oh Oh. A I'm adding some French knots here just to fill in the gaps between the
pistol stitches. O Oh. O. Oh. Oh
15. Lesson 12 Satin Stitch: Satin stitch is a popular
embroideery technique used to fill in shapes with a smooth, satin like appearance. It's valued for its
ability to create old eye catching areas of color and texture in
embroidery projects. Oh O Oh. Oh. Oh. H I've used my heat pen to outline some shapes for
me to fill in with stitch. And also later in the lesson, I've outlined some hard shapes. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh I'm outlining these
random shapes with some stitches to
make them stand out. Running or straight stitch and backstitch are both
suitable for this. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.
16. Lesson 13 Seed Stitch: The sad stitch, also
known as the dot stitch, is a simple and embroidery stitch to create small
texture dots and fabric. It's often used
to fill in areas, create patterns or add
texture to designs. Oh Oh. Oh. Oh.
17. Lesson 14 Straight or Running Stitch: Running stitch or
straight stitch is probably the most well known
and often used stitch. It's very simple
weaving in and out of the fabric with even spaces
and size of stitches. It can be used to sew seams, hems, and for gathering. The running stitch can also be used in hand sewn patchwork to attach pieces of fabric enabling you to build up
layers of texture. Oh Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Ember.
18. Lesson 15 Wrapping: To be honest, I'm not sure if this is the correct term
for this technique. There's no stitching involved. All you do is your
needle through the stitches to create
a coil or wrap. It works really well with contrasting colors and textures. I prefer to use the eye of the needle by pushing the thread as there is less
chance of catching the threads with the
sharp end of the needle. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh Oh
19. Lesson 16 Whip or Overcast Stitch: I stitch or overcast stitch is a simple sewing technique often for both functional
and decorative purposes. It is commonly employed
in hand sewing to join two pieces of fabric
or material together, as you can see me doing here. It's also used for finishing edges or attaching appliques. Oh Oh. O M.
20. Lesson 17 Zigzag or Half Cross Stitch: I don't think Zig zag stitch is the correct name for this
stitch, but it does seem. It's usually known as
half cross stitch. I've added some beads to jazz it up a little and
add some sparkle. Oh, Oh.
21. Lesson 18 Beading: I think it's best to anchor the bead down first
with a tiny stitch. Then I always stitch in
the bead with a stitch. It makes a bead more
secure and they are less likely to fall off if there's
an accident of some sort. If I've decided to
use a group of beats, I treat them as one beat as I've done here with
a group of three. Oh Oh Oh. Oh. Oh Oh Oh. Oh. Oh. M O.
22. The Centre: For the center, I decided
to edge the circle with some green bugle beats and then fill it
with french knots. At the last minute, I added a few beats for
a touch of sparkle. Oh O Oh. Oh. Oh. O.
23. Thank You : Thank you for joining me. I hope you enjoyed the class
and learned some new skills. Please post photographs of your project to the class
so we can all admire them. Also, please leave a review. It helps me a lot. See you in the next class. Bye.
Ruth Shanley, Creative, teacher, explorer
