Embroidery

The ancient art which was once used to form the tapestries of kings is now employed to decorate all sorts of fabrics. Embroidery makes a great hobby and is pretty easy to learn, if not to master. It involves using thread, yarn or ribbon to create a pattern of complementary stitches on a variety of fabrics, the most popular of which are silk, linen and wool. Prepared canvases are also available and are mostly used for cross-stitch work. The great thing about embroidery is that it leaves a lot of room for creativity. You can incorporate beads, shells and sequins into your stitching and create a whole array of beautiful crafts.

Basic Stitch Library

Backstitch        Threaded backstitch		Couching
The backstitch is used to create lines. A variation of it is the threaded backstitch, where thread of a contrasting colour is woven in and out the existing stitches.		This might look like the whipped stem, but the thinner thread pins down a loose thread, and not slanted stitches.

Outline/stem stitch		Buttonhole/blanket stitch
Creates unbroken lines (unlike the backstitch) and uses slanted stitches.		This stitch helps prevent fraying.
Whipped stem stitch		Cross-stitch
The ‘whipping’ here is done with a contrasting thread.
Chain stitch		Feather stitch
The width of the chain is easily adjusted by needle entry points and not by how tightly the thread is pulled.		Once again, needle entry points determine the shape of this stitch.

These are just instructions on how to create the simplest of stitches. In the world of embroidery there are scores more though, of ranging complexity. If you want to move onto a challenge of add to your existing knowledge of stitches, browse through some online stitch libraries. When techniques become complex though, diagrams such as the above do not always suffice.

When you first take up embroidery, chances are, it will try your patience. The type of materials you use need not be the best in the market since they will only be used to learn and practise. When trying out new stitches, create samples of them; they will be useful for future reference. Beginners don’t just have to stick to the manuals. Experiment with different stitches and colours, saving examples of the combinations you liked best.

If you’re already quite serious about embroidery, the type of material you use will matter. There is simply no point in having the talent to make something good when the thread between your fingers splits and frays, or if after all your effort, the material tenses up and destroys your work.