starting out choosing the stitches to learn

i don’t have a book to follow, but i’ve got the hoop, and the beginner fabric (some cotton muslin.) i saw somewhere that called for 9 inch hoops. so that is the size i bought. i just read here at Yesterday’s charm, that 6-7 inch hoops are best, as you can reach to the centre of the work better. now i just need to stretch it.

“Hint; I tend to pull my stitches too tight, so now I keep the fabric a bit lose in the hoop (instead of tight as a drum) this lets me see when I pull the stitches too tight since the fabric would pucker up. ” from Yesterday’s charm.

choosing which stitches to start with

I really like the look of the satin stitch, mixed colours using the wedge stitch, the stem/outline stitches and funky looking bullion and french knots. i remember some of the patterns my mom did with contrasting colors of layered lines and knots on top of satin stitch (i think!)

“If you lack experience with needle and thread, the easiest way to begin to learn your ultimate goal of smooth satin stitching is to start with closed blanket stitch, then venture to fishbone. When you can do these well, you can do satin stitch well… If you can’t maintain a smooth outline with fishbone and closed blanket, your satin stitching won’t look any better“. from Heritage Shoppe

I love the instructive tone of the stitching how-tos at the Heritage Shoppe (See their Embroidery Stitches menu)

“Closed blanket stitch is a premium stitch used in old Hedebo, Schwalm, Mountmellick, and many crewel works. Don’t thumb your nose at it. Doing it well means you are an accomplished stitcher. It should be your first line of creative tricks in hand embroidery.”

I can’t imagine thumbing my nose at a stitch, but anyway, I appreciate this advice for starting out:

“Begin with stem stitch. Then try the chain stitch or straight stitch. Continue with satin stitch, Rumanian couching, and whipped stitches. Take your time. If you make a mistake, remove the thread a stitch at a time with the eye end of the needle (to prevent piercing and breaking the thread). You can also cut out the thread and begin anew. Even experienced embroiderers make errors and must redo areas.

The most important thing to remember is: Keep your stitches very tiny and even. If you have embroidered for a long while and still are not happy with your results, the reason is usually making your stitches too large, knots and other poor finishing techniques. The ultimate goal is 16 to 20 stitches per inch.”

Their french knot tutorial also has video to download. See the advice for starting and ending threads.