Last week, we did something that stretched us . . . . WAAAAYYYY out of our “comfort zones”! We “taught” a class at our local Agriplex on “Hand Embroidery: The Basics” {for their “Heritage Skills” series}.

In essence, it was one of those situations we just couldn’t tell a sweet friend “no.” But, we are really glad we didn’t say “no” {once it was all said and done}.

There was more interest in the class than we expected, and had to “cap” our number to 23 {due to supplies}.

Then, the floodgates of heaven opened RIGHT WHEN THE CLASS WAS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN {some areas of our community lost power through it}!!

Yet, the attendees just “poured in” with the rain . . . Luckily no power was lost for us, and we were able to forge ahead.

Although the weather was far from cooperative, it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits! The ladies in attendance were so gracious and kind!! It was a “multi-generational group” {the youngest being 7 … and the oldest, possibly double our age – but we dare not ask!}.

Several “mother and daughter” pairs attended . . . how special is that?!?!

In the two hour class, the attendees learned nine basic embroidery stitches. Everyone practiced the stitches on a hooped piece of scrap fabric.

Then, they had all the supplies needed to continue their practice of these stitches on a prepared tea towel.

Our intention was to give participants time to begin working on their tea towels during class, but our practice stitches took a bit longer than anticipated.

Hopefully, everyone now has the background knowledge and foundation to continue basic hand work on their own.

That led us to thinking: would you like to know a little more about “Hand Embroidery” as well?

Maybe you would. Maybe you wouldn’t. But, we’re going to pass a little information along nonetheless.

Secret 1: Hand embroidery is NOT difficult . . . it just takes some time {and a pinch of patience}.

Secret 2: If you use hand embroidery in a creation, more often than not, you will have a great sense of pride and accomplishment upon its completion. Not that you don’t have those feelings with other creations . . . but, it’s different. Maybe it’s the time and effort you put into the project, or that you pushed yourself to acquire a new skill. But whatever the case may be, it’s there!

Secret 3: The back stitch and French knot are the “workhorses” of stitches for us. And, many times, we just use those two stitches in a variety of ways.  Yes, we use a few others . . . and there are some we plan on using more frequently since the completion of our class. Still, the point is: It doesn’t take many types of stitches OR quantity of stitches for it to be special!

In our class, the “students” learned: the back stitch, split stitch, stem stitch, running stitch, running whipped stitch, lazy daisy, chain stitch, satin stitch, and French knot. The back stitch is the foundation for many of these stitches, with those serving variations to it. We used THIS VIDEO {although we didn’t practice the blanket stitch, and veered slightly from the instructions of the stem stitch and satin stitch} to assist as we went along.

While our class focus was on basic, embroidery stitches, some of you might be interested in more of a challenge!!

That said, for your enjoyment, we are going to list some of our favorite techniques {and some that we are itching to try} along with a link for each.

Sashiko

 

Alabama Chanin

 

Negative Space Embroidery

 

Decorative Hem {shell hem}

 

Faggoting

 

Drawn Thread

 

Shadow Work

 

Ribbon Embroidery

 

and, of course, Smocking

If you are interested in practically ANYTHING “hand embroidery” related, we recommend Sarah’s Hand Embroidery Tutorials HERE. She covers the gamut of embroidery – stitches and techniques!! Her instructions are fabulous, and the photos are worth a thousand words!!

Because we KNOW this post wasn’t all-inclusive, and if you still are looking for MORE . . . Needle n’ Thread has How-To videos of stitches, as well as tips and techniques on many embroidery skills.

Today was all about tutorials  / how-to of techniques . . . but later this week, we plan to share some inspiration using these techniques! See you then!

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