Things You Ought to Know About Embroidery Stitches

If you have been into embroidery for some time now, you are surely familiar of all the things related to it. And surely, you know all about embroidery stitches. But, if you are new to the crafts of embroidery, you might know embroidery stitches as a part of embroidery. Nothing more than that. Now, you need to have in-depth knowledge of embroidery and the stitches used in it if you wish to be a successful embroiderer one of these days.

So, what are embroidery stitches? Basically, these are the stitches which are executed in the same way at all times; thus, creating a recognizable figure. These are also known as simply stitches. These are also considered as the smallest units in embroidery. You need to do many stitches of different or same kinds to form embroidery patterns.

Techniques Used Involving Embroidery Stitches:

? Hand-Sewing Method ? in this method, you need to bring the needle to the fabric?s upside. This technique involves movement that is similar in regular hand sewing; thus, the name.

? Stab Method ? also known as Maggam work. This is very popular in India. In this method, you need to insert the needle into the fabric at an angle of 90 degrees.

Basically, the techniques in embroidery that you will use depend on the stitches, the materials used in the embroidery project as well as your own preferences in working on your project.

What Are the Common Stitches?

It is important to know the common stitches use in embroidery if you are new to this craft. But, this should not be hard on your part as every embroidery stitch is named so one can easily identify it. The following are the common stitches used in embroidery;

? Straight stitches ? examples of these stitches include basting or running stitch, simple satin stitch, Algerian eye stitch, and Fern stitch. Holbein stitch and Bosnian stitch are also straight stitches.

? Back stitches ? examples of these are stem or outline stitch, split stitch, and Crewel Stitch

? Chain stitches - examples include chain stitch, the Lazy Daisy or detached chain stitch, the Spanish Chain or Zig-zag chain stitch

? Buttonhole stitches ? examples of these stitches include blanket stitch, buttonhole stitch, crossed buttonhole stitch and closed buttonhole stitch. Knotted buttonhole stitches such as top knotted buttonhole, Tailor?s buttonhole and German Knotted buttonhole are also among these stitches.

? Feather stitches ? fly stitch, feather stitch, faggoting stitch and Cretan stitch are examples.

? Cross stitches ? though these stitches have its own industry, it is still considered as a common stitch in embroidery. The Breton Stitch, Sprat?s Head stitch, Crow?s Foot stitch and Herringbone stitches are examples.

? Knotted Stitches - these are predominant in Brazilian embroidery. Among the examples are French knot, bullion knot, coral stitch, Chinese knot, etc.

? Couching and laid work ? pendant couching, Oriental couching and square laid work are few examples.

These are just few examples of the stitches that you will mostly encounter in your embroidery projects. If you need further information, guides and tips on how to do them right, you can always get an embroidery book or magazine. Surely, there are several pages there to help you out. On the internet, there are hundreds of websites which offers information about embroidery.

You will surely find instructions on how to do each embroidery stitch. Figures and diagrams are also available; these will be a big help as you can see drawings on how to execute the stitches.

Enjoy Paper Embroidery; Add Fun to Nondescript Items

For those who are not familiar with the term, paper embroidery seems strange. Most people will think that it is rather strange idea that instead of fabric, you will be embroidering on paper. However, you should know that this kind of embroidery has been in practice for many decades now. Only, it was not that popular since very few people have shown interest on it.

But, if you get the hang of it, you will surely love this embroidery craft. You will be amazed at just how paper embroidery can be so much fun. This basically involves stitching designs to paper or thin card. And did you know that this craft is excellent in decorating nondescript items such as bookmarks, table decors, materials in scrapbooking and greeting cards. And even as beginner, you can surprisingly produce great items using paper embroidery.

History of Paper Embroidery

In the 1970s, string art pictures were popular. Many believed that paper embroidery has been strongly influenced by this string art pictures. However, paper embroidery started in Holland in the 1990s when a Dutch designer named Erica Fortgens wrote books containing instructions for stitching cards and making patterns for them.

The designer said that she started designing patterns when she made dinner cards with gold embroidery; the cards became very popular. Also in the 1990s, a wool manufacturer, Madeira, started manufacturing embroidery paper kits which were sold under the name Pickpoints. Only few kits were produced though.

In 1998, Card Inspirations which is an English craft company launched stitching cards. These were named Form-A-Lines which were first designed by Anne Harding and Linda Jefferson. Then, David Jefferson designed a computer drawing program which was used to convert the cards into patterns. These became the first two Form-A-Lines kits which became very popular; thus, the evolution of paper embroidery begun.

Application of Paper Embroidery

So where and when can you make paper embroidery useful? Well, in many occasions and many ways. The following are uses of paper embroidery;

? Greeting cards ? stitching cards are becoming very popular nowadays especially for people who want personalized greeting cards.

? Scrapbooking ? instead of using colored scrapbooking papers, you can add life to your scrapbooks by using embroidered paper.

? Table decors ? you can make embroidered decorations for your tables

? Bookmarks or notebook covers ? instead of frowning over a plain bookmark or notebook, you can lighten it up by adding embroidery on them.

? Tags ? you may also embroider gift tags or name tags should you like a personalized touch

The Things to Consider In Paper Embroidery

If you are planning to do paper embroidery, there are several things that you need to consider. And among the most important are the materials that you will need. First, you need to decide on the type of paper you will be using. Be sure to choose papers which can hold the threads. It should also be fibrous and can allow you to push the needles through it.

The type of needles that you are going to use should be very thin and sharp. Many recommend that a paper embroiderer use 75/11 needle size. The threads that you will be using are the next thing to consider. You can actually use any kind of threads you prefer. But make sure that it will perfectly fit he needle as well as suit the paper you are using on your project.

There is not much you need in order to start your project. You just have to keep in mind that in paper embroidery, creativity is also the best factor to consider.

How to Have a Successful Bead Embroidery Project

Embroidery is a handicraft that became a popular hobby all over the world. And there have been different kinds and types of embroidery. Among them is bead embroidery. This is actually the kind which many people try to avoid. Why? It is because this embroidery can be expensive and seems to be more complicated. But, if you can do it right, bead embroidery can be the most enjoyable and satisfying beadwork that you can do.

Another problem with this kind of embroidery is that finding great patterns and easy to do projects is quite hard. So where can you possibly find a pattern and project to start on? There are basically two places where you can get them;

? Your favorite embroidery shop. Ask the owner if ever they have patterns and easy to do bead embroidery projects. Some shops are offering exclusive patterns which are mostly not placed in the display area.

? Search online. As always, you can try searching the Internet for bead embroidery patterns as well as instructions on how to do a project right.

Now that you have a pattern and instructions for your project, the next thing that you should do is to prepare the items that you will need. It is important to have a complete set of them. Here are the things that you will need;

a.) Fabric ? mostly, you will need the woven one; at the cross stitch section of your favorite shops, you can find a 28-count linen which will best suit this kind of embroidery project.

b.)Needles ? choose needles that are suitable for beading; mostly size 12 needles will be fine.

c.) Thread ? you can use thread like Nymo since it won?t be seen in the design anyway.

d.) Beads ? choose the right sizes and colors of the beads that will suit the design in your project.

e.) Backing papers ? you can find these in most embroidery supplies stores.

Aside from the items above, there are still things that you need in order to have a great bead embroidery project. These are the following;

a.) Embroidery frame ? this is better than using embroidery hoops as you can control the tightness and avoid buckling.

b.)Pattern ? it is important that you have a clear and understandable pattern. If you want, you can make a copy of this and keep the original for further use.

c.) Permanent markers ? you will need these in marking the area of the pattern which you have finished

Okay, so you?re good to go. You can now say that you will have a successful bead embroidery project. But, don?t be so sure until you?ve read on these tips:

? Make sure that you have enough of all the items that you need. The threads and beads are the things that mostly run out in the middle of the project. You may want to have several needles in case the one you are using breaks.

? Be sure to use a thread length you are comfortable with. A very long thread may tangle and cause you trouble in the middle of your project.

? Proper lighting is necessary so keep your working place properly illuminated at all times.

Even though bead embroidery is expensive and seems quite hard to finish, you can still have a great project. You just have to keep in mind several important things such as to have a complete set of the things that you need, to follow the tips in beading, and to know where you?ll get your items.

Spice Up That Less Than Fancy End Table With Stenciling

You might think that since it's just an end table, there's nothing that you can do to make it stand out inside your room. You're wrong about that. A boring pair of end tables can actually be turned into something extraordinary if you just know a little trick about applying paint and using a stencil. That's right! Stenciling is basically what you need to spice up that fancy end table.

But you might say, 'Stenciling what? How can I possibly do that? I'm not an artist!' Who says you need to be an artist to create something out of stencils? All you need is a little time, effort, materials, and of course that good imagination to unleash the creative side in you.

Stencils have been used for many years as a way to create beautiful and artistic designs in various materials like wood, glass, and fabric. To turn that end table into a piece of artwork in your home, you can make use of these materials: stencils, wood stain, paint brushes, acrylic paints for stenciling, paint or masking tape, paper towels or used cloth, and acrylic gloss coat.

Prepare all of these before you start working on your project. And if you noticed that your end table is not stained or finished, might as well stain it first to give the wood an attractive background color. The process is actually simple. All you have to do is to put a coat of stain on, then use a paper towel or rag to rub it out and make the coat even. After that, wait until it dries. Once dried, you can proceed with stenciling.

Now that you're on the stencil part, first you have to know your stencils. You will likely use layered stencils and singular stencils. In the former, each part of the whole design is split into different stencils by the colors that they need to be painted while in the latter, all the elements are on one stencil. After you've known the difference, now decide where you want the design to be. Is it on the top or at the sides of the table? Now, place the stencil on that spot and use masking tape so it will be held in place. Get the paint brush; choose from either a large or small brush to paint in the stencil holes.

Take note, you must not overdo this procedure as excess paint may leak under the edge of the stencil and will create a complete mess of the design. Do it slowly but surely. And if there's excess paint from your brush, wipe it off with paper towel or rag before applying it on the stencil. When applying the paint, make sure that you paint one color first before you use another. And once you're done with the design, leave it and let it dry. Do not attempt to touch it if you're not sure that it has completely dried for this might ruin your work.

So there. Isn't it easy to turn your boring end table into something livelier with stenciling? By simply following all these instructions, you will not go wrong in spicing up that little furniture you got there.

Now, if you want to know more about stenciling other furniture or even your wall, you can always check online for more stenciling information.