Embroidery 101

Alyson Mahn

What we will cover

• Introduction

• Basic Equipment

• Threading the needle

• Cross Stitch

• Back Stitch

Introduction

What is it?

• Decoration of material using a needle and thread/yarn

• Other materials can be added as additional decoration elements.

• Different stitching techniques are used to create different effects.

• Sewing machines can be used.

Techniques• Cross Stitch

• Back Stitch

• Running Stitch or Straight Stitch

• Chain Stitch

• Satin Stitch

• French Knot

• Loop Stitch

• The list goes on. . .

Tools

Floss or thread

• Most important part of embroidering

• Colors are labeled by number

• Thousands of colors

Needles

• Can’t embroider without them.

• Different sizes

• Two types: blunt and linin

• Protip: Larger eyes make things much easier

Hoop

• Hold the fabric taunt and an place.

• Usually plastic or wood

• Different sizes, even some different shapes

Hands on time!

Threading a needle

• 1) Divide the floss into three sections of two strands each.

• 2) Dampen the end and flatten the threads together

• 3) Stick them through the eye

• 4) Pull the floss until it is partially through the eye, fold.

Cross Stitch

• One of the most basic techniques.

• Think of each block as a pixel in a digital picture.

• http://youtu.be/OLYdbatulwM

Back Stitch

• Another basic stitch

• Used mainly for outlines

• http://youtu.be/Kkrdekn4g90

Credits

• Videos: Expert Village

• Pictures: kimberlylayton.com, dickblick.com, kaboodle.com, hatsideas.com, 4-hobby.com, instructables.com, squidoocdn.com