Fundamentals of Textile Design 3(2+1)

Lesson 32: Hand Embroidery

Stitches

French Knots

This is a filling stitch that is often used at the centre of a flower or to depict a stamen of a flower. French knots can be made larger by increasing number of yarn twists around needle. Bring needle up at 1. Insert the needle half way back again at 1. Wrap the yarn around needle twice or thrice; gently pull the yarn so the twists are tightened against the needle. Carefully insert needle near point 1 and pull through; ensure that the yarn end is held taut.

Fly

This is a filling stitch that is very easy to work. Needle is brought up at 1 and inserted at 2 directly across 1. It is then angled out in ‘V’ shape at 3. Points 1, 2and 3 should be equidistant. The yarn is carried under the needle and pulled through. Stitch is completed by inserting at 4 over loop of ‘V’.

Feather

It is a delicate border stitch that resembles a vine and is worked between double lines. Start at 1 on one side of double line, and work at 2 a slanted chain stitch. Insert needle in the same slanting direction at 3 (in between the two rows) then bring it back at 4 on the second line, approximately across from 2. Work subsequent chain stitches the same way.

Lazy daisy

Also called as detached chain stitch. This stitch is used to give a petal effect to the embroidery work. Bring needle out at 1. Insert back into same hole at point 1, and exit at 2 by carrying the yarn under needle. Pull through to form a loop or a petal. Insert needle at 3 over chain loop, to anchor the loop to the fabric. Repeat the process to make more petals/stitches.

Satin stitch:

It is a solid filling stitch that covers the design area with long straight stitches placed close together. Care should be taken to make stitches smooth and at even tension. The stitch is usually worked from left to right. Bring needle up at 1. Insert at 2 directly above; exit at 3 close to point 1. Continue until area is filled.

Spider web

Spider web can add a design accent to the embroidery work. This is almost always worked in a circle and is an ideal stitch for a stylized flower. Spokes of the web are first laid and then woven over and under to produce a smooth web.