I did this last night while watching 24. I used all six threads of the embroidery floss and split stitched my way through it. The only time I changed was when I did the satin stitch for the eyes. It's almost, but not quite finished.
Here are my issues. Firstly, I think I chose an inappropriate fabric to work on. It was a bit of stuff I recently got at VV. It came in a bag of other crafty stuff. I held on to it knowing I wanted to try embroidery. What fabric should I have used????
Secondly, the back is covered in ugly knots. Is that just the way it goes??
Thirdly, should I have used all six strands of floss? The lines are pretty thick.
I really liked doing it and I'd like to practice and get better at it.
Any suggestions? Tips? Constructive criticism?
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
15 comments:
I don't know much about embroidery, but it sure look good! I think you did a great job!
Karyn, it looks really cute. I don't embroider much, but I think using 4 strands might work better. I rarely ever use all 6. If the fabric is tough going through, you might consider something with a different weave. Just keep practicing and you'll get better!
Hi Karyn, Your fabric and stitches look good. I've done a little embroidery before. I usually use 2 or 3 strands of floss. This may work better with the fabric. I try not to tie knots if I can help it. I start out working stitches over a tail of floss underneath my work. I try to weave the floss through a few stitches on the backside of my work before cutting it off. Hope this helps. I'm anxious to see more of your work.
There are some very basic directions here:
http://www.yesterdayscharm.com/embroidery_lessons.htm
But, if you enjoyed it, you might buy one of Jenny Hart's books. She has very good instructions available.
In general, I use 3 strands of floss. I have no idea what type of fabric to use, since I have always used kits!
I haven't done much embroidery but I usually use 3-4 strands. Seems like sometimes you need 4 to cover the ironed on pattern. I bought some fabric to use for emb. and I haven't liked it much - I think the weave is too loose. I'm not sure what the best thing would be. There's a new tea towel for sale on the Sublime Stitching website that's been "field tested" by stitchers - I may order one just to see what it's like.
ps. Nice job on your kitty!
ps. here's a nice blog all about embroidery:http://primrosedesign.blogspot.com/
Karyn, I think it looks great! The pattern is really cute. I only cross-stitch, so I'm not sure if that would help you.
Very cute. And has me wanting to bring back out the embroidery I started for Christmas gifts last December (blush). I'm no expert, but I generally don't use all 6 strands of floss. Doesn't the book make a suggestion for you?
Great job!!!
It looks really cute! (I know absolutely nothing at all about embroidery, so I won't be much help.)
Looks great! I usually use 2 or 3 strands of floss. The real attraction of using 2 (or 4, I suppose) strands is that you can just use one long strand, fold it in half, and just run your first stitch through the loop in back instead of tying a knot or having to work stitches over a tail of floss.
Happy stitching!
BTW, I like using linen or cotton fabric best. Pay attention to the thread count. If it's too tight, it's hard to work with.
Dishtowels are great, easy projects that you can actually use. You can pick up a 6-pk of floursack towels at Target fairly inexpensively. I recommend washing and ironing them before you do your transfer.
Another fun thing to do is draw your own freehand designs with disappearing fabric ink! It's in the quilting section at Joann.
I have no help to offer here...embroidery scares me! But you've taken off and it looks great. I say forget about the back for now, since nobody will ever see it!
You've already had some great advice. The number of threads you use depends on the look you want and the stitches you are doing. I usually work embroidery with 2 or 3. To start without a knot - come through from the back ahead of where you are going to stitch, then take a small stitch to the back piercing the thread tail at the back - then come up at the beginning of where you want to stitch. If that sounds as clear as mud - let me know if you want pictures. As for what stitches where - I don't believe there are any right or wrongs as long as you are happy with the outcome. I'd have used stem stitch, just because I enjoy doing that one.
pffffft!!!!! the expert!!! please help me stop laughing!!!
okay. use only 3 strands or so. don't knot the beginning, just use a little tail. it will get caught up in the stitching as you go.
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