How to do French Knot embroidery stitch

The French knot is a popular embroidery stitch that creates small, textured knots on the fabric. I use it where I do not want to use beads but would like some texture added to my embroidery piece.

French knot embroidery stitch steps (below):

Here are the steps to make a French knot:

1. Insert the needle from the back of the fabric to the front at the point where you want to place the knot. Pull the thread all the way through until the knot at the end stops it.

2. Hold the needle in one hand and use the other hand to wrap the thread around the needle. Typically, you wrap the thread 1-3 times around the needle, depending on the size of the knot you want.

3. While keeping the thread taut, insert the needle back into the fabric very close to (but not exactly at) the point where the needle came out. This helps to secure the knot.

4. Gently pull the needle through the fabric to the back, holding the thread taut with your other hand to keep the knot tight and close to the fabric. As you pull, the wraps of thread will form a small knot on the surface of the fabric.

5. Pull the thread all the way through to the back. The knot should now be securely formed on the front of the fabric.

6. If you need to make more French knots, move to the next spot and repeat the process. When you are done, secure the thread on the back of the fabric with a small knot or by weaving it under existing stitches.

Tips:

• For larger knots, wrap the thread more times around the needle.
• Practice on a scrap piece of fabric if you are new to this stitch.
• Keep the thread taut but not too tight, as overly tight wraps can make the knot difficult to pull through and might distort the fabric.

By following these steps, you can create beautiful, textured dots with French knots in your embroidery projects.

Hugs, Elena

Small Flower embroidery hoop (embroidery with mohair yarn)

Extra fine mohair 4-ply strands were used in the embroidery of this small Red Floral composition with a few shades of brown-beige-auburn leaves.

I have added gold and brown metallic beads to give some glamour to the florals. And, crystal pale pinks and glass fuchsia beads added the pop of extra color variation. Let me know what you think.

Class coming up. 

E.

Small Abstract Punch needle fiber art painting

This abstract punch needle fiber art painting in purple and white tones is a fun project to create.

Even though the punch needle tool used here is extra fine, it is still not a very time-consuming project considering how long some abstract pieces can take.

This canvas measures 4x6 inches. The fabric is stretched over a wooden frame.

A beautiful selection of peach, purple, white, and brown colors makes a perfect punch needle painting with a natural feel. An eye candy for both eyes and hands!

Here is the tool set that can be used to create delicate work of this nature:

EXTRA PUNCH NEEDLE TOOL SET

Thank you! Elena

Embroidered Strawberry Pin

A NEW VIDEO CLASS IS AVAILABLE:

EMBROIDERED STRAWBERRY PIN TUTORIAL

A fun little project if you would like to practice your embroidery skills.

This handmade embroidered STRAWBERRY pin is not only a lovely accessory
 but also a heartfelt gift that carries a personal touch. Creating a pin like that
can make a delightful and meaningful keepsake. Unlike mass-produced items,
an embroidered pin is unique and showcases your creativity and artistic skills.

Create a gift for someone or yourself. A perfect accessory!

An embroidered strawberry pin can be a fantastic gift that shows your care and effort,
and it can also be a fulfilling and enjoyable project that hones your creative skills.

You can start the project for fun and then decide to give it as a gift once you see how lovely it turns out. This way, you get the joy of creating it and the pleasure of gifting it to someone special.

Embroidered pins are usually small and manageable projects. You can complete them in a relatively short amount of time, which is perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.

Handmade gifts often carry sentimental value. The time and effort you put into creating
the pin will be appreciated and cherished by the recipient.

Strawberries can symbolize love, friendship, and sweetness.
Gifting a strawberry pin can convey these sentiments in a charming way.

The pin can be worn on various items such as jackets, bags, hats, or even displayed
on a pin board, making it a versatile accessory. I like wearing it on my denim jacket.

Create a gift for someone or yourself. Perfect accessory!

VIDEO CLASS IS AVAILABLE NOW.

Elena

How to add crystal beads, gems and rhinestones to enhance your embroidery.

 Not a single piece of my favorite embroidery painting was done without the magic of gems and beads.

Enhancing embroidery with crystal beads, gems, and rhinestones can add a touch of elegance, sparkle, and dimension to your artwork. Here are some things I usually keep in mine when I want to incorporate these elements into my embroidery.

Select crystal beads, gems, and rhinestones that are of good quality and complement the color scheme and theme of your embroidery. Opt for beads with facets that catch light and create sparkle, enhancing the visual impact of your design.

1. Plan Your Design:

Sketch or outline your embroidery design to determine where you want to incorporate crystal beads and gems. Consider using them to accentuate specific elements such as flowers, jewelry, celestial motifs, or architectural details.

2. Secure Attachment:

Use a strong, fine thread such as nylon or beading thread to attach crystal beads and gems securely to your embroidery. Ensure each bead is firmly anchored to prevent them from coming loose over time. An alternative way to secure the gems is to use a quality sewing thread, double the length and run it through a wax thread conditioner. My favorite is the one made with soy wax (much like this one here). You can also use fabric glue designed for embellishments to reinforce the attachment.

3. Blend with Embroidery Stitches:

Integrate crystal beads and gems into your embroidery by combining them with various embroidery stitches. Here are some techniques to consider:

• French Knots: Surround larger gems with French knots to create a halo effect or use them to fill in spaces with smaller gems.
• Seed Beads: Mix crystal beads with seed beads to create intricate patterns or fill in areas between larger gems.
• Long and Short Stitch: Incorporate crystal beads and gems into satin stitch areas to add texture and create highlights within your design.

4. Create Depth and Texture:

Use the three-dimensional qualities of crystal beads and gems to add depth and texture to your embroidery. Layer beads of different sizes or mix shapes to create visual interest and enhance certain elements of your design.

5. Consider Placement and Balance:

Experiment with the placement of crystal beads and gems to achieve balance and harmony within your composition. 

6. Mix Sizes and Shapes:

Combine different sizes and shapes of crystal beads and gems to create a dynamic and visually appealing surface. Mix round beads with teardrop shapes, or use faceted gems alongside smooth rhinestones to create contrast and sparkle.

7. Symbolism and Meaning:

Sometimes I like to choose gems that hold symbolic or personal meaning for me or relate to the theme of my embroidery. For example, amethyst may symbolize spiritual growth, while clear quartz can represent clarity and harmony.

8. Finishing Touches:

After attaching the crystal beads and gems, ensure the back of your embroidery is neatly finished. Use fabric backing or an embroidery hoop to secure the fabric and protect the stitches and embellishments from damage.

9. Display and Care:

Display your embroidered artwork in a way that showcases the beauty of the crystal beads and gems. Frame it in a shadow box or under glass to protect the embellishments and enhance their sparkle when displayed in a well-lit area.

By following these tips and experimenting with different techniques, you can effectively enhance your embroidery with crystal beads, gems, and rhinestones, creating a stunning piece of art that captivates the eye and reflects your creativity and style.

Hugs, Elena

Tips for Embroidering on Burlap

 

Embroidering landscapes on burlap can be a rewarding artistic endeavor, combining the rustic texture of the fabric with the intricate detail of embroidery. Here are some tips to help you create beautiful landscape embroideries on burlap:

1. Choose the Right Burlap:

Select burlap with a medium to fine weave for landscape embroidery. The texture of the burlap adds character to your artwork, but too large a weave may make stitching difficult and make finer details arduous.

2. Prepare the Burlap:

I typically do not use embroidery hoops when stitching on burlap. I stretch burlap fabric over a wooden frame, so it becomes similar to a painting canvas.

3. Sketch Your Design:

Pencils, heat-transfer pens, air-erasable markers are almost obsolete when sketching on burlap.  I sketch my design using a simple sharpie marker. The dark lines will be covered up by the stitches and it helps to see where your line boundaries are.

4. Use Varied Thread Textures:
Experiment with different types of embroidery threads to create texture and depth. For example, instead of using a standard 6-stranded embroidery cotton, try using yarns and tapestry wool.

5. Layer and Blend Colors:

Build your landscape by layering and blending colors of embroidery threads. Mix threads of different thicknesses and compositions to achieve intersting transitions, mimicking the play of light and shadow in the scene.

6. Employ Different Stitch Techniques:

Explore a variety of embroidery stitches to create different textures and effects. Some stitches that work well for landscapes include:

• Long and Short Stitch and Satin Stitch: For filling larger areas like sky, water or ground.
• French Knots: For creating texture in foliage, rocks and or bushes.
• Running Stitch, Stem and Chain Stitches: For outlining or creating linear elements like tree branches.

7. Consider Raised Embroidery Techniques:

To add dimension to your landscape, try raised embroidery techniques. Use padding stitches or layers of threads to create a raised effect for mountains, clouds, or textured terrain. This technique adds depth and visual interest to your embroidery. Consider incorporating punch needle techniques for a plush effect on foliage or textured areas.

9. Add Beads and Gemstones:

Incorporating natural stone beads and crystals into your embroidery can add a stunning and unique dimension to your artwork, blending the organic beauty of gemstones with the intricate craftsmanship of embroidery. Select natural stone beads and crystals that complement the theme and color palette of your embroidery. Consider stones like turquoise, amethyst, jade, or quartz, which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that can enhance different elements of your design. Consider using beads and crystals to embellish specific elements such as flowers, leaves, water droplets, or celestial objects like stars or moons.

10. Pay Attention to Detail:

Pay close attention to details such as the direction of stitches, the density of threads, and the texture of different elements. Small details can make a big difference in conveying the realism and atmosphere of your landscape. When stitching on burlap do not overdo the details.

11. Frame and Display Thoughtfully:

Once completed, frame your embroidered landscape in a way that complements its rustic charm. Display your artwork in well-lit areas to highlight the textures and intricate stitching.

12. Practice and Patience:

Like any art form, landscape embroidery on burlap requires practice and patience. Allow yourself to experiment with techniques and find your unique style. Embrace the process of stitching as a meditative practice that allows you to connect with your creativity.

By following these tips and allowing your creativity to guide you, you can create stunning landscape embroideries on burlap that capture the beauty and essence of natural scenery. Enjoy the journey of stitching and exploring the possibilities of this tactile and expressive art form!

Hugs, Elena