Thursday, July 26, 2012

Stitchy Steps

I have recently been asked by friends who don't stitch, how do I get started with a project and then what are the steps. I am no expert but I am happy to share my process. 


Step 1: Choose a pattern. Sometimes I choose a printed pattern that I trace using my new handy-dandy light box, other times I might use a transfer pattern. I so want to be one of those artistic types that can design their own pattern from scratch but that is not me. I am hoping my artistic daughter will design some patterns. For this hoop monogram with tassel I chose it from a book of iron-on transfer patterns I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I am sure I help keep that store in business. ;)



Step 2: Choose your fabric. If you are tracing your pattern on to the fabric you can use almost any type but when using an iron-on transfer the fabric has to be heat tolerant.
I chose an Osnaberg linen type fabric that I had in my stash.
Step 3: Prepare the fabric by determining the amount you need and then pressing it with an iron to remove any wrinkles.



Step 4: Cut the transfer pattern and iron it on to the fabric following pattern package directions or trace your pattern on to the fabric.

Step 5: Hoop the fabric in to a working hoop. I like to use a plastic hoop for embroidering. There are those that do not use a hoop at all. I like the stabilization a hoop gives the fabric.

Step 6: Choose the thread color/colors you want to use in your project. This project is for one thread choice. Sometimes I may pull out 30 colors to choose when doing a multi-color project, like here

Step 7: Stitch! I would say this my favorite part but I also really enjoy choosing pattern, fabric, thread, etc. For wonderful instructions on embroidery stitches, I like to go shiny happy world blog and her wonderful free instructions.

Step 8: Decide how you will finish off your project. I painted a small wooden hoop. There are so many options from framing or adding it in to a sewn piece, etc. I am sending this hoop as part of the Happy Hour Christmas in July exchange. My recipient, Leslie Marquez Designs, asked for supplies for her jewelry designs and I wanted to add a little something extra. She had shared colors in her home and I decided a brown hoop with this M monogram would be a good addition to the supplies.

Step 9: After completing the stitching and allowing the hoop to dry, I placed the stitched piece in to the finishing hoop. Then I trimmed around the edges leaving enough to fold around to the back and stitch a running stitch to gather the fabric.

Step 10: Finishing the back. I chose to cut a piece of felt and stitch it to the back of the piece for a finished look. 

And there you have it. My little monogram embroidery stitched from beginning to the end. 

Bead supplies and monogram M for my Christmas in July package.

sharing:
http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/2012/07/blog-stalking-thursday-51.html
http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/07/happy-hour-friday-0727.html
http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/2012/07/tgif-linky-party-59.html
http://www.littlebeckyhomecky.com/2012/07/fantabulous-friday-23/
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/2012/07/freedom-fridays-12.html
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/07/link-party-diy-crafts-recipes.html
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/07/frugal-friday_26.html
http://www.delicateconstruction.com/2012/07/delicately-constructed-friday_26.html
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/feathered-nest-friday_26.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/07/show-and-tell-friday_26.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/07/welcome-to-fridays-unfolded_26.html
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/2012/07/potpourri-friday-34.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/its-inspiration-friday-no-75-welcome.html
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/07/linky_party_98/
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/07/pomp-party-28.html
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/07/fabulous-friday-36.html





26 comments:

  1. thanks for the tutorial! sewing, stitching, knitting, etc... i have NO IDEA how to do any of them. seriously, a sewing machine intimidates me. (threading them seems abysmally difficult!) But i KNOW that so many crafts are closed off to me simply because of my fear of all-things-thread.

    so thanks for this easy walk through on stitching. i think i can start with this!

    - m
    http://craftylittlebitches.blogspot.com

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    1. Meegan, Thanks so much for stopping by. And I am so glad you feel comfortable getting started. DON'T FEAR THE THREAD! Seriously, you can do it. If you have any questions or need some encouragement, I am here for you!

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  2. I love this post. I too like to stitch, but I have never done anything like this. I might have to give it a try! I'm your newest follower and i'd love to have you stop by and give me your thoughts on a few of my projects: dosmallthingswithlove.blogspot.com

    Nancy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Nancy. I will be hopping over to check out your blog tonight. :) Thanks for following.

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  3. I used to love to do needlework but it has been a long time since I've done any. I love the way you framed this monogram in an embroidery hoop.

    Paula@Sweet Pea

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    1. Thanks, Paula. You need to pull those old supplies and get to stitching. I go in phases and it might be months in between and then I go on a tear and stitch constantly. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  4. Great tips! I am just starting to learn how to embroider and this is very helpful. Visiting from Crafty Soiree :)

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    1. Thanks, Nicole. I am so glad you found the post helpful. Let me know if I can help. :)

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  5. Thanks for the gift. I love the M. It is hanging in my bedroom!! And the beads are great!

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    1. I am so glad it works, Leslie. I was hoping the browns were a good in-between shade to go with either direction of your colors. :)

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  6. What a great job! I'm impressed especially with the way you finish the product. I always just used to take sharp scissors and trim as close the hoop as possible, and perhaps hot-glue on a piece of felt. Your work is wonderful and would allow to re-tighten the piece if necessary!

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    1. Thanks, Richella. I have tried several finishes and this is one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Beautiful stitching!

    I used to be intimidated by embroidery, too. It looks so pretty it HAS to be hard, right? Nope.

    The best part about it is, you can make lovely finished products even if you're a complete novice.

    This is a great tutorial.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I appreciate your kind comments and for stopping by. :)

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  8. Learning to embroider is on my list of things to do. This turned out great! Thanks for sharing at the Pomp Party! Pinning to our Pomp Party board!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jill, and for pinning my post!

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  9. Hi Pam, Thank you for popping by & leaving a sweet comment on my blog recently. This is a great tutorial. I haven't done any stitching for a LONG time, but this makes me want to do a project again. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Warmly, Michelle

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! Pull out those stitchy supplies. You will be glad you did. :)

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  10. Cute Monogram. Thanks for linking up. Have a nice weekend!

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  11. Thanks, Hani! Hope your weekend is great!

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  12. I love your monogram! I used to embroider all the time, but then sewing seemed to take over. I really like that you finished the back. Maybe I'll make one, a pretty easy project! So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – your creativity helped make the party a success!

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  13. Thanks, Cathy! I have been doing so much embroidery because it is so portable and we have traveled a ton over the last 6 months. I am ready to sit down at my sewing machine! Thanks for always hosting a great Par.tay!

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  14. Thanks for stopping by CountryMommaCooks and linking up at our Saturday Link and Greet Party...hope to see you again tonight : )
    Deana @ CountryMommaCooks

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    1. Thanks so much, Deana. Headed over there today. :)

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  15. This is such a great tutorial! The pictures and the directions are so clear and helpful. Thanks for linking at Snips and Spice Sunday Slice. I hope to see you again this week!

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    1. You are so kind, Malory. I was hoping my directions would be clear. :) Thanks for hosting Sunday Slice. Headed over today. :)

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