Craft Ideas

Long and Short Satin Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 05:19:00 -0700

Long and Short Satin Stitch consists of a first row of long and short vertical stitches followed by rows of long stitches. By subtle changes of color on each row, soft shading effects can be achieved.

Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B, up at C, and down at D. Continue alternating long and short stitches across row from left to right. Secure thread.

Step 2. Repeat above step, this time working long stitches only across row to fill motif. The last row will require some short stitches.

Flat Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 04:29:00 -0700

Similar to Fishbone Stitch, here slightly slanted stitches cross to form a wide central wedge. Draw guidelines before you begin.
Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B and come up at C, working accurately to guidelines as shown.

Step 2. Cross over stitch A-B and go down at D. Pull thread through. Let the motif shape determine slant of stitches.

Step 3. Come up at E, just above A, following outline of motif. Pull thread through, ready for next stitch.

Step 4. Cross over and go down at F. You can pack stitches tightly or allow fabric to show, depending on desired effect.

Step 5. Continue in this way until outline is completely filled, to create dense texture, pack stitches tightly together.

Chequered Chain Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 03:16:00 -0700

Chequered Chain Stitch is also known as Magic Chain or Magic Stitch. A bi-colored effect is achieved by using two contrasting thread colors. Alternate the colors by alternating the working thread for each chain loop as shown.

Step 1. Come up at A with both threads, make loop, go down next to A, and come up at B over one thread. Pull both threads thrown to form loop with first color.

Step 2. Make loop and go down next to B. Come up at C, keeping needle over second thread. Pull through to form loop with second color. Repeat from Step 1.

Pekinese Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 02:57:00 -0700

Pekinese Stitch is also known as Chinese Stitch or Blind Stitch or Forbidden Stitch. This composite line stitch is popularly used as a border, particularly for lacy edgings on collars and cuffs.

Step 1. Work a foundation row of backstitch following guideline or outline of motif. Tie thread at back of fabric.

Step 2. Whip contrasting thread in circular motion, looping in and out of backstitches, keeping loops even.

Tailor's Buttonhole Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 02:40:00 -0700

Tailor's Buttonhole Stitch is durable version of buttonhole stitch features a knotted edge. Useful for heavy weight fabrics. Place stitches close together and work from left to right.

Step 1. Come up at A. With needle over working thread, go down at B and come up directly below at C. Pull thread to form knot at top.

Step 2. Go down through knot at D and come up at E over working thread. Pull to form another knot and continue.

Chequered Chain Band

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 02:03:00 -0700

Chequered Chain Band is worked downwards to create a band. Use as a border, or place bands of stitches side by side as a filling stitch. Create the bi-color effect by using two needles threaded in different colors and worked alternately down the band.

Step 1. Work column of horizontal straight stitches as shown. Tie off. Then thread two needles with doubled length of thread in each, one light, one dark.

Step 2. Bring dark thread out at A; bring out light thread under horizontal stitch and between two dark strands. Carry dark thread to left, under light thread.

Step 3. Insert needle with dark thread under second horizontal stitch as shown, and then carry it under dark thread but over light thread.

Step 4. Pull needle through. The band should now look like this. As you work, always keep dark thread to left and light thread to right.

Step 5. Repeat Step 3. and 4., this time inserting needle with light thread under horizontal stitch and dark thread. Continue, alternating two needles.

Threaded Herringbone Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 01:51:00 -0700

Threaded Herringbone Stitch is made up of a row of herringbone stitches laced with one or two contrasting intertwining threads.

Step 1. Work a row of herringbone stitch from left to right. Tie off. Using contrasting thread, come up at A.

Step 2. Working from left to right, lace thread under and over row of herringbone stitches as shown.

Interlaced Band

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 01:46:00 -0700

Interlaced Band is also known as Herringbone Ladder Filling Stitch or Double Pekinese Stitch or Laced Cretan Stitch. This lacy border and filling stitch is worked on a foundation of two parallel alternating rows of backstitch. Draw guidelines on the fabric before beginning.

Step 1. Work a row of backstitch. Then work parallel row of backstitches, positioning stitches opposite to stitch breaks in a first row as shown.

Step 2. Using contrasting thread, come up at A. Lace right to left through top right-hand stitch, keeping working thread under needle. Repeat to left as shown.

Raised Chain Band

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 01:38:00 -0700

This composite stitch is made up of horizontal straight stitches linked with chain stitches worked with a contrasting thread. Begin by making a vertical column of horizontal straight stitches.

Step 1. With contrasting thread, come up at A, take thread over horizontal stitch; come up to left of A. Slide needle under stitch with thread under needle point.

Step 2. Pull thread through. Take thread over and under next horizontal stitch and slide needle under stitch to the left as shown. Pull thread through. Repeat.

Tied Herringbone Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 01:31:00 -0700

Tied Herringbone Stitch is also known as Coral Knotted Herringbone Stitch. This simple border and filling stitch is made with herringbone and coral stitches. When used as a filling, place foundation stitches directly above each other so the tips touch.

Step 1. Work a foundation row of herringbone stitches. Keep stitches of same length and evenly spaced.

Step 2. With contrasting thread, work coral stitches over herringbone stitches, making knot at each intersection.

Guilloche Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:47:00 -0700

The name derives from a term used in architecture for an ornamental border containing two or more interwoven wavy lines. Used to create a decorative band, Guilloche stitch can include several different thread types.
Step 1. Work two parallel lines of stem stitch, keeping stitching even. You may want to use guidelines.

Step 2. Between lines, work evenly spaced vertical bands, each consisting of three satin stitches.

Step 3. Starting at the left, lace contrasting thread through first band and then through second, picking up background fabric. Continue across row.

Step 4. Repeat in opposite direction, taking care not to split existing threads. If you wish, choose contrasting thread to add interest to the design.

Step 5. Work a French Knot at the center of each circle formed by the lacing as shown, using a new thread color id desired.

Threaded Detached Chain Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:35:00 -0700

Threaded Detached Chain Stitch is made with a row of detached chain stitches spaced evenly apart, then laced with contrasting threads.

Step 1. Working from right to left, work a row of evenly spaced detached chain stitches as shown.

Step 2. With contrasting thread, weave up and down through main body of each chain. Repeat in opposite direction.

Applying Mirror on a Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:29:00 -0700

Use this stitch to attach any round or oval object, such as coins, mirrors, etc.

Step 1. Working over the mirror, come up at A, go down at B, up at C, across and down at D, up at E, down at F, and up at G.

Step 2. Pass needle under thread A-B and go down at H to form a diamond-shaped grid, coming up at I.

Step 3. Go down at J, come up at K, down at L, up at M, down at N, and up at O. Pass needle under parallel vertical threads and go down at P. Fasten off.

Step 4. Come up at Q, take needle under and back over intersection of vertical and diagonal stitches. Go down at R, up at S with thread under needle point. Pull through.

Step 5. Repeat Step 4. weaving over and under crossed threads until edge of mirror is securely held.

Beadwork stitches

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:25:00 -0700

Attach your beads individually, or use a couching technique to stitch on rows of beads at a time. The mirror technique can be used to secure any flat, round, or oval object.

Sewing on beads

There are two main methods of applying beads. Stitch them onto the fabric individually (top) or, if using a pre-threaded row (bottom), use a couching technique.

1. Sewing single bead

Come up through the fabric and bead. Then go down through fabric, come up and place next bead on needle. Repeat, making small backstitch every 4-5 stitches for security. Stitching each bead twice also holds bead firmly.

2.Couching Beads

Come up through fabric. Pick up a row of beads, go down at end of row and anchor thread. Come up at A, cross thread between first two beads and go down at B. Repeat along row to secure beads, couching between every third or fourth bead.

Threaded Backstitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:21:00 -0700

Useful for outlining, this stitch can be worked in one, two or three colors. Sizes the backstitches according to the weight of thread to be whipped or laced through row.

Step 1. Work row of backstitch, making stitches slightly longer. Use Contrasting thread to weave in and out.

Step 2. For double threaded backstitch, weave as before in opposite direction. Be careful not to split threads, already worked.

Wave stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:18:00 -0700

This versatile line and filling stitch can produce different effects according to the length and positions you choose for the base row of stitches.

Step 1. Work a row of vertical straight stitches. Fasten off. Bring a new thread up at A and slide under first stitch. Go down at B; come up at C. Repeat along row.

Step 2. As a filling stitch; come up at K; slide thread through base of H and I; go down at I, up at M; repeat. Pierce fabric only at base of row being worked.

Rosette Chain Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 00:15:00 -0700

Rosette Chain Stitch is also known as Bead Edging Stitch. Useful for bordering delicate work, this twisted chain resembles braid. When worked in cotton perle, it creates a raised effect. Work from right to left.

Step 1. Come up at A. Make loop and go down at B. Come up at C through loop, and pull through. Slide needle under stitch close to A as shown. Pull through.

Step 2. Make loop and go down at D. Come up at E through loop; slide needle under slack thread close to D. Pull to form second knot. Repeat Step 2. as desired.

Plaited Braid Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 00:26:00 -0700

Plaited Braid Stitch requires practice but is very effective as a decorative border. Work from the top down and use a heavy thread. Pinning the loops will help you practice.

Step 1. Come up at A and make a loop with working thread, placing loop to the right of A as shown.

Step 2. Insert needle through loop at B, coming up at C with working thread under needle point.

Step 3. Pull through, holding left-hand loop ready with thumb. Carry thread to and slide needle right to left as shown. Do not pick up background fabric.

Step 4. Go down at D (within bottom right-hand loop); come up at E (within bottom left-hand loop). Keep working thread under needle.

Step 5. Repeat Step 3. and 4. and keeping thread under needle point. Try to make loops even to achieve a next column of stitches.

Braid Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 00:13:00 -0700

Braid Stitch is also known as Gordian Knot Stitch. This textured border stitch works well on curves and with a heavy thread such as cotton perle. Work from right to left and make sure that you form the loops properly as shown, with the left side of the loop laid over the right side.

Step 1. Come up at A. Make loop on fabric as shown, then go down at B through center of loop. Come up at C, with thread under needle point.

Step 2. Pull thread through. Then loop thread as in Step 1. go down at D and come up at E as shown to complete second stitch. Repeat to continue along row.

Wheatear Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 00:04:00 -0700

When worked in small columns, this line stitch looks like a stalk of grain. Usually worked in straight rows, this stitch can also follow gentle curves.

Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B, up at C, down at B again, up at D. Without picking up fabric, slide needle right to left through bottom of the V just made.

Step 2. Go down at D and then come up at E, ready for next stitch. Repeat from Step 1. to continue working columns of stitches as desired.

Double Feather Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:56:00 -0700

Double Feather Stitch is also known as Double Coral Stitch or Thorn and Briar Stitch. This variation on basic feather stitch is used to create a zigzag of feathery branches. A useful border stitch, it is worked from top to bottom.

Step 1. Come up at A, down at B, up at C, keeping needle over stitch just made. Repeat, following letter sequence. Then cross to left; go down at H and up at I.

Step 2. Repeat, going down at J, up at K, down at L, up at M, down at N, up at O. Continue, working two stitches to left and two to right, keeping loops even.

Closed Feather Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:48:00 -0700

Closed Feather Stitch is worked from top to bottom and creates a wide feathery border. Draw parallel guidelines on your fabric before beginning.

Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B and up at C, keeping working thread under needle. Pull thread through.

Step 2. Take thread to left; go down at D and up at E. Alternate sides to continue, keeping working thread under needle.

Cretan Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:40:00 -0700

Cretan Stitch is also known as Persian Stitch or Quill Stitch or Long-armed Feather Stitch. This stitch is particularly useful for filling shapes and creating lines. Work from alternate sides of the shape to fill it. Draw guidelines on your fabric before beginning.

Step 1. Come up at A, go down at B and up at C, keeping working thread under needle point.

Step 2. Go down at D, following motif outline, come up at E, keeping working thread under needle.

Step 3. Go down a short distance at F, coming up at G with thread under needle point as shown.

Step 4. Go down at H and then come up at I, again keeping thread under needle point as shown.

Step 5. Continue in this way. Vary size of stitch by extending or shortening the central crossover.

Rope Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:27:00 -0700

Good for curves and spirals, these textured line stitches should be close together to give an even effect. As its name suggests, the final stitch has a rope-like texture.

Step 1. Come up at A. Go down at B, taking thread over needle from right to left. Come up at C, taking thread under needle point from left to right.

Step 2. Pull thread through gently. Go down at D and come up at E, looping thread from left to right, over then under needle as shown. Repeat.

Ladder Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Craft Blogger) — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 23:19:00 -0700

Ladder Stitch is also known as Open Chain or Step Stitch or Ladder Hemstitch. It is usually best to work this border stitch in a frame in order to keep the loops neat and even. Draw guidelines on the fabric before beginning.

Step 1. Come up at A, cross over, and go down at B. Come up at C and go down at D, below B. Come up at E as shown.

Step 2. Slide needle from top to bottom under long stitch and over working thread. Pull to form knot at left of first long stitch.

Step 3. Slide needle from right to left behind right-hand knot. Do not pick up background fabric.

Step 4. Pull thread through and go down at F, coming up at G. Keep the thread tension even.

Step 5. Slide needle behind left-hand knot from right to left. Do not pick up background fabric. Repeat from Step 3.