7 ways to master embroidery
The new year is a great time to start a new craft. We are still in the midst of Winter in the UK and often look for something to keep our mind stimulated. When the warmer weather arrives I often find myself leaving the crafts as I’m lured out into the garden. So if your looking for something to keep your hands busy with over the winter months, maybe now is the time for you to master embroidery.
Master Embroidery and use the right tools
The right tools make all the difference when learning a new craft. The good thing about embroidery is you don’t need very many. My recommendations would be:
A good pair of sharp embroidery scissors.
A set of embroidery needles.
A selection of quality embroidery threads, I always use DMC.
Invest in a great reference book
Looking on the internet is fantastic for inspiration, but sometimes having a great reference book in front of you is way more valuable. For one thing they don’t have a timeout when your focusing on your craft. This book (the stitch Bible) is so good, I featured it in my top 7 go to craft books.
Start with the basics
My recommendation would be to start with the Running stitch as most people have used this one at some time in their life. It is the easiest to master and can be used in all manner of creative ways.
Pick one stitch and master it
Once you’ve learnt a few stitches I think you should really focus on mastering one stitch.
My favourites are back stitch and chain stitch. In this feathers piece I have used solely back stitch on one and chain stitch on the other. I love the simplicity and elegant beauty of it.
Make a sampler
I love a sampler and have many in my craft room. Not only are they a great way to practice the stitches you learn, but are a great visual reference too.
I love the textural quality of this sampler. Sewn on Linen with beautiful satin threads not only is it a joy to look at, I love to run my fingers over the rows of stitches.
Read some tutorials
The internet is a wealth of information and inspiration and I would recommend reading some tutorials to help you master this craft. Why not have a look at my Back stitch tutorial to start you off?
Enjoy it!
To master embroidery or any craft for that matter you have to enjoy it. Find images you want to create, stitches you enjoy sewing and things you want to decorate with thread. It is ultimately a very personal craft and you can take it wherever you want to.
I made a sampler when I was young too! (Following on from my comment about cross stitch). My nan was really good with fabric stuff, sewing, knitting etc and I used to try allsorts when I was little because she made me want to do! I’ve just remembered I did one when I was about 9 and my mum put it on her wall for about 3 years! It wasn’t even that good haha!
You’ve got to love mums!
These are really great tips, I always buy a reference book when I start something new! Thanks so much fir sharing with #Blogstravaganza xx
My pleasure
I love embroidery, I wish I had more time for it. There are some lovely sampler kits about for beginners who aren’t sure about it #blogstravaganza
It’s a great mindful activity
Yes, they are much more widely available these days
You’re so right about having the right tools for the job. It can make or break your enthusiasm!! I’m still trying to master crochet at the mo but may give embroidery a go in the future.
And congratulations because someone loved this post so much, they added it to the #BlogCrush linky! Feel free to collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge 🙂
Wow, Lovely news 🙂 I’ll grab my badge
This is something I’d love to try. My Grandma has passed her embroidery threads to me. #bloggerclubuk
What a lovely thing to pass on. Just be sure to use some thread care as they may be fragile
I used to know a trick to keep your thread flat as you sew. I hate how the thread twists around and doesn’t lay flat in the pattern. Any suggestions?
Two things I do: 1. after separating my floss I hold it up and let it swing till it uncurls. 2. I use thread balm to keep it smooth. (also using a high quality floss helps, I always use DMC)