Tag: #hand

This is another stitch I have used many, many times in my own work, but had always stitched it using two strands of DMC and not thought about the difference it would make just by varying its size and density – so it was therapeutic to set time aside to experiment with it. This sample was created on Irish Linen fabric and using DMC cotton thread working with one strand and building up to six.

This experimental sample was created on 100% wool plaid upholstery fabric using DMC stranded embroidery thread, creating the variegation in stitch by using 1 –  6 strands. The sample has French Knots and Bullion Knots. I love the contrast in textures from the softness of the wool with the sheen of the stitch.

 

I hope you are inspired to have a play with thread yourself.

Chain stitch is another stitch I have used for many years but had never thought about it in any other way other than in a line or for writing lettering (curves). Experimenting was fantastic.  This is a sample of Chain Stitch on Irish Linen using threads including DMC stranded embroidery thread, silk, variegated wool, Appleton Tapestry wool, hand dyed linen, Sylko 50 weight cotton sewing thread and imitation silk.

The following experimental sample was created on hessian mounted onto calico, with threads including  silk weaving yarn (on the cone) from Stephen Walters Silk Weavers, Madeira Lame, Appleton Crewel wool and hand dyed linen.

 

 

I hope you are inspired to have a play with threads and experiment too!

Back stitch crops up many times in my work. I love it but have never experimented with it. This was a fantastic opportunity to play with the stitch varying its length and overcasting it with thread.
This is a sample of Back Stitch on Irish Linen using threads including DMC stranded embroidery thread, Appleton Crewel wool, hand dyed linen, Perle cotton and linen/flax.

 

The sample I experimented with was created on thick brown paper/card – which I thoroughly enjoyed. The paper was machine stitched onto calico before being mounted into my embroidery hoop ready for stitching.
The threads used included variegated wool, DMC stranded embroidery thread, Sylko 50 wight cotton sewing thread, Madeira Aurora Borealis, Tudor Twist and linen.
One thing I learned was that piercing the paper with ‘stitch holes’ makes life a lot easier.