Going to embroidery from cross-stitch was a relief. I could relax a little, not having to count squares or sew precisely into a grid. Yes, it still requires care, but it allows for more artistic expression (e.g. mistakes).
Embroidery is basically sewing with the intention of decorating with stitches. Instead of trying to hide stitches that hold things together, the stitches are the star, the paint on the canvas. Learning embroidery stitches will help me with my other sewing endeavors, when I need decorative or defining marks.
I started with a small hoop, practicing different types of stitches. I didn’t bother trying to split my floss, since every time I have tried it just shreds. To make lines, I tried the split stitch and the back stitch. I am still figuring out how to make smooth lines where you can’t see the transition between stitches. I also tried out chain stitches, stars and daisies. The satin stitch is the best to fill in an area. The one stitch I wanted to master, so I can make eyes for my projects, is the French knot. That was a struggle to learn. I kept thinking I had it right, then pop, the thread went all the way through, making a tiny stitch instead of a tidy bump. I figured out the trick was keeping the thread taut and looping around the needle in the right direction.
Another thing I noticed is that I need to be careful about not going back exactly in the same spot. That undoes the stitch. When you are using regular thread and a small needle, it is very hard to do that.
Having gotten a basic feel for the craft, I decided to make a project. I went through a whole bunch of designs, from decorative to snarky. I didn’t want swearing or meanness, or something too twee. I wanted something encouraging, something that was personal. I landed on “roll for initiative”. For those that are unfamiliar, this phrase is used in role-playing games. Players in a group roll dice to see who goes first in a battle. But I can see it as motivational, too, like “get ready!” or “face this challenge instead of just reacting”.
I found a nice font and printed out the words. Using a water soluble pen on the stretched fabric, I created the design- 20 sided dice outlines, swirls, other dice shapes, a sword. I goofed up on the right side and got to test out how washable the pen is (it needs more than a dab to clear it!). Then I realized that the swirl could be tentacles instead. Oh, with suckers, a good opportunity to practice the French knot!
After finishing, I washed the piece in the sink to clear away pen marks. The back doesn’t look too bad. I will leave it in the hoop, but I’ve seen some great ideas for using finished designs from embroiderer Tisha Dolton, like napkins, teapot cozies, pillows, ornaments and more. She’s done copies of my children’s drawings for us that I absolutely love. Trying out hobbies that my friends do helps me appreciate their skill and artistry- do you see all her smooth, neat lines and curves?
I will be using what I’ve learned in my other sewing projects, and might do one or two more, but I think I prefer other mediums for making pictures.
