Embroidery

Examples of embroidery work

If you were taught needlework in school, it’s possible you considered sewing a boring activity. But think of sewing as a way to decorate and beautify a piece of fabric, and you are well on the way to loving it. There are endless ways of combining and applying stitches, which means that there are endless opportunities to produce an original and individualistic piece of work that reflects your own likes. A number of threads can be used – try silk, cotton and wool – and the more experienced you become, the more you’ll want to experiment with metal threads, beads and sequins in your embroidery. To see some examples of Silk painting work click here.

Now try it out!

Below are examples of some of the most common stitches. See if you can do some of them.

Chain stitch

One of the most widely used basic stitches, this is commonly used as an outline stitch or in close rows as a filling. This stitch originates in Persia and India.

Now try it!

	Pull the thread from the wrong side of the fabric to the right side.
	From the right side of the fabric put the needle through the fabric close to where the needle came up from originally.
	Let the needle travel up the fabric 0.5cm, and push the needle to the right side of the fabric. When pulling the needle through, make sure that the thread is placed behind the needle.
	Gently pull the thread, and you have your first chain stitch.

French Knots

The most popular raised stitch, the French knot resembles a bead. It’s a versatile stitch that can be used individually or in rows or groups to create densely covered areas. This knot is primarily used to create texture. The Chinese were particularly keen on using this stitch, and created some beautiful textiles and the most intricate patterns using these little ‘beauty beads’ to form the core of their decorative stitching.

Now try it!

	From the wrong side of the fabric bring the thread to the right side of the fabric.
	Wrap the thread around the needle close to the fabric at least three times.
	Gently insert the needle back through the fabric, close to where it originally came up.
	With your left thumb, hold on to the thread, while with your right hand you gently pull the thread all the way through.
	A completed French knot.
	A number of French knots.

Satin stitch

The satin stitch is a filling stitch that creates a smooth surface decoration. It consists of straight stitches laid close together. This stitch is best seen in Chinese and Japanese embroidery.

Now try it!

	From the wrong side of the fabric bring the thread through to the right side of the fabric. Make a straight stitch, and repeat, working parallel straight stitches close together.
	A completed satin stitch.