Table of Contents
CONTENTS
Introduction 4
PART ONE: Embroidery essentials 6
Fabrics 8, Threads 10, Needles 12, Scissors 14, Embroidery hoops 15, Erasable marking pens 16, Transfer papers 18
PART TWO: Basic techniques 20
Preparing the fabric 22, Transferring designs 24, Securing the fabric 26, Thread best-practice 30, Threading needles 33, Starting to stitch 34, Fastening off 38, Final touches 42, Displaying the embroidery in its hoop 44, Decorative ideas 48, General advice 50
PART THREE: Stitch guide 52
Running stitch 56, Laced running stitch 58, Backstitch 60, Whipped backstitch 62, Stem stitch 64, Couching stitch 66, Chain stitch 68, Detached chain stitch 70, Fly stitch 72, Blanket stitch 74, Feather stitch 76, Cross stitch 78, French knot 80, Bullion knot 82, Straight stitch 86, Scattered straight stitch 88, Satin stitch 90, Shaded satin stitch 92, Planning a design 96
PART FOUR: Further ideas 98
Using appliqué to attach embroidery 102, Embroidering a T-shirt (or other stretchy fabric) 108, Embroidering with beads 112, Further creative inspiration 125
Acknowledgements 128