| The project includes details of several attractive stitches, ideas on what to make and some photos of both the finished articles.
Fabric: You can stitch into any kind of mesh/even weave fabric - this could be anything from a piece of fine canvas to a doormat. For this project you'll need a 10cm x 10cm square of canvas with 13 threads per inch. Mark a square in the centre with 30 threads on each side - approx. 6cm x 6cm.
Threads: Choose threads appropriately - consider weight, thickness, strength, texture, colour…. Three safe threads to try - stranded cotton, perle, and traditional "tapestry" wool. For this project you'll need one skein each of stranded cotton, perle #3 and tapestry wool. The samples are worked in green (DMC500), red (DMC304) and blue (DMC336)
Stitches: Stitches are to be found in any good embroidery book. The practice piece includes a few square stitches - make into a tree decoration, a card or a little picture. Choose your stitch carefully according to whether your piece of stitching is merely decorative or needs to be more hardwearing. Generally, the plainer, shorter stitches are stronger than the longer, decorative stitches.
Instructions: Fill your square with as few or as many variations as you like. Combine more than one colour of thread for added variety, or stick with the one colour for a classy, elegant look. If you have gaps at the end, consider stitching a few small beads in the spaces, or leave some canvas bare deliberately - the white showing through a colour can be very effective.
The Finished Article: Frame your work in a small greeting card, or perhaps in a window made of thicker board which could be framed. If you prefer, you could make a small cushion and hang it on your Christmas tree. Use your leftover scraps of thread to make a small tassel. |