Needlework Types

• Cross Stitch
• Needlepoint
• Sashiko
• Embroidery

Maptime Embroidery

Stitch Sampler

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

California

The Great

Los Angeles Quilt

Materials

Embroidery Floss

• Most common brand: DMC
• 6 strands, or "plies"
• Split up into fewer strands to vary thickness.
• Cross stitch commonly uses 2 strands.

http://www.dmc-usa.com/Products/Needlework-Threads/Embroidery-Threads/Cotton-Embroidery-Floss.aspx

Needles

• Chenille Needles - sharp point
• Tapestry Needles - blunt point
• Sizes
  • 1-12
  • 18-28
  • bigger number = smaller size
• What needle to use depends on thread/floss and fabric being used.

Fabric

• Fabrics that don't have too tight a weave.
• Use a woven fabric, not a knit fabric because it stretches.
• Cotton, Linen, Muslin, Aida
• Don't pick something too transparent.

Prep

Hoop

1. Locate center of fabric.
2. Loosen hoop and separate the rings.
3. Center fabric over inner ring.
4. Press outer ring over fabric.
5. Alternate tightening the hoop and gently pulling the fabric taut until fabric is secure.

Transfer Pattern

• Methods
  • Iron-on
  • Trace
  • Draw
• Tools
  • Pencil
  • Washable Pen/Marker
  • Lightbox

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Embroidery Thread

1. Cut a length of thread.
   • Longer = more difficult to use
   • Shorter = more frequent start/stop
   • A good length to start with is to measure from your hand to elbow.
2. Separate the floss by gently pulling out the number of threads being used.

Stitch!

Start

• Knot
  • Wrap thread tail 2-3 times around needle, pinch thread in place, then pull needle and thread all the way through.
• Stitch Over
  • Leave a small tail and tuck the tail as you make stitches.
• Away Knot
  • Make a knot and secure a few inches from the start.  Start stitching.  Later, cut knot and weave thread under stitches.

Running Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Threaded Running Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Threaded Running Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Backstitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Chain Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Chain Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Chain Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Fern Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Fern Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Cross Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Star Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

Star Stitch

http://adventures-in-making.com/diy-heart-embroidery-sampler-for-beginners/

French Knot

https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/09/how-to-make-a-french-knot/

French Knot

https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/09/how-to-make-a-french-knot/

Satin Stitch

https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/04/hand-embroidery-stitches/

End

• Knot
  • Make a knot (wrapping around the needle like before) against the back of the fabric.
• Weave
  • Weave the tail end of your thread underneath stitches on the back side and trim the end.

Working Tips!

• Re-tighten your fabric occasionally because it will loosen as you work with it.
• If your pattern is too close to the edge of your hoop, you can re-position the fabric.
• Don't leave your fabric in the hoop for too many days because it will be hard to get the creases out.
• You may need to occasionally let the needle and thread hang and gently tug on it to untangle it and let it even out.

Finishing Tips!

• Use cold water (No Soap!) to wash out the washable markings.
• Use an iron to iron out wrinkles.
  • Don't go too hot if your fabric has synthetic fiber (polyester, nylon, rayon, etc.)
  • Don't directly iron on your stitches - iron the backside or put another fabric in between.
• Display your work in the hoop, mount it, frame it, sew it onto other things.