| There aren't any rules with embroidery and you can sew in whatever style you like, but if you want to get started with some traditional stitches, here are a few simple examples | ||
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| Split stitch Bring the needle through the fabric and back again, to make a simple stitch a). Then push the needle back up though the fabric and the previous stitch, splitting the threads either side of the needle b). Then repeat from the first step. To keep it neat use an even number of threads. |
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| Back stitch Bring the needle through the fabric a stitch length before the end of your pattern line (1), then complete the stitch by bringing your needle down through the fabric (2). Continue by bringing the needle back up through the fabric a stitch length before the previous stitch, see b) |
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| Stem stitch Work like back stitch, pushing the needle up one stitch length before the last stitch a) but this time over lap the previous stitch by about one third, still pushing the needle back through the fabric along the pattern line. |
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| Satin stitch This is a filling stitch, push the needle up through the fabric a) and then back down b) in long straight stitches worked closely together so that no fabric shows through. |
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Basic equipment: A needle, Embroidery thread, Something to sew on, Scissors, Fab Lazy May patterns!
You can get needles and thread from haberdashers, craft or department stores. The 'something to sew on' can be anything you like, as long as it is OK to iron. Useful extras: It can be difficult to sew on some fabrics, so a sewing hoop or iron stabiliser can be useful. To create different looks you can vary the amount of threads that you sew with. Using the full six for outlines, and less for detailed areas. |
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