Stitching Workshop Notes

OVERVIEW & VIDEO REPLAY

In this workshop we went over 4 techniques using embroidery floss using both stitching and gluing. Then we worked on a small project using what we've learned! 

No experience needed, older kids who have experience with needles and teens are welcome to follow along!

You can view the replay of the workshop over on YouTube. (Don't forget to subscribe and browse the other videos :)) These notes are to be used alongside the video.

SUPPLIES

Please make sure to protect the surface you'll be working on if needed.

• Cardstock/Mixed Media/Watercolor Paper 1 page to practice the 4 techniques. I like using heavier weight paper such as cardstock/mixed media/watercolor because it keeps well and is less prone to tearing and ripping. I usually use 110 lb mixed media paper or cardstock.
• Cardstock/Mixed Media/Watercolor Paper 3x4" Rectangle This is for our project
• Embroidery Floss I like and use mostly DHC brand and get it at Michael's. I usually use floss made from 6 threads. You can pull these threads apart if you'd like to work with thinner floss. 
• Needle I got a multi pack of needles from Daiso (Japanese dollar store) and was able to find some that had an eye that the floss could go through. The needle itself looks like a regular needle, not something bigger. As long as you can thread the floss through, it will work!
• Paper Punch Tool / Small Awl / Needles  This tool is used to poke holes into the paper. If you don't have an awl,  needles work too (it can sometimes be bothersome to use because it can be uncomfortable for your finger but you can use a thimble or cover your finger to protect it). If you have a similar tool that can poke holes, that works as well!
• Foam Pad I have a foam pad about 1/8" thick that I put under the paper as I poke the holes so that the awl goes through but doesn't damage the surface underneath. I got it as part of a paper crafting kit years ago and can't find a listing for the exact one. This kit is the closest I could find and has an image for your reference. Something similar can work or a few pieces of thinner foam stacked together. A thin piece of scrap wood can be used as well (thank you Cyndi for sharing this tip!) 
• Glue I have used mod podge. Any type of thicker glue works well so it doesn't get runny.
  
• Something to apply the glue with If there is no applicator or the opening of the tip is too large, have something to apply the glue with that has a fine/sharp tip (I actually used the awl or another needle). You may also need something to put the glue on such as a palette, yogurt lid, thick piece of scrap cardstock. 
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Paper 

TECHNIQUES

Use a pencil to lightly draw the shape you'd like. Then draw the punch holes. Punch the holes. Erase the pencil lines. Stitch. 

1. BASIC STITCH  ___   ___   ___  Go up through the first hole, down the second, up, down, etc. Knot and cut string once you get to the last hole. 

2. FULL STITCH  _______________ Start with basic stitch. Once you get to the last hole, do the same thing going back--this will fill in the gap that the basic stitch has to create a full stitch. Knot and cut string once you get back to the first hole.

3. STITCH & GLUE I like using this technique for very curvy shapes. You will punch a hole at the start and end of the shape. Go up through the first hole, glue along the curve shape, then go down the last hole. 

4. GLUE I like using this for filled in circles. Spread a thin layer of glue in a round shape in the size you'd like. Take your thread and starting from the outside of the circle, press the thread down into the glue in a circle then spiraling inside until the glued surface is filled by the thread. When you get to the center trim the thread and press it down to fill in any gaps at the center. *Starting from the outside going in has been easier for me. I used to start at the center going out and found this harder, You can try both and see what you'd like.

A filler item I like is to cut little knots and glue them down in smaller spaces you are trying to fill.

At the bottom of this page, there is a larger finished piece I created using the techniques above in different ways if you'd like some more examples.

MINI PROJECT

Use the template on the left to create a small embroidery floss piece! It features the following elements:

• Center: Letter of your choice using full stitch (This can be any letter that holds significance to you and can be written in cursive or in print)
• Opposite corners: Decorations including circles, circles with lines extending from them (like a flower or sun), X shape stitches, knotted ends glued down, any other stitches you'd like to add.
• Border: Around the paper (skipping the areas where the decorated corners are) using basic stitch

1. Start by penciling in the entire design so you can map out spacing and what you'd like to include on your piece. 
   
2. Pick out the colors you'd like to use. I like choosing a few base colors then some bright pop colors to add to it.
3. Work on each part one section at a time. I went in the order listed above: letter, decorations, border. 

TIPS

• Pencil lightly to make it easier to erase (I drew the lines darker / in pen so it's easier to see in my examples!)
• Cut longer pieces of string so you have extra to make it easier to knot and you don't have to stop as often to re-thread your needle.
• Don't punch holes too close to the edge, it can bend/crease the paper sometimes.
• Don't punch holes too close to another hole, sometimes when punching or sewing it may rip making it one big hole.
• Keep the string you're using neat and untangled--it happens sometimes where in the middle of sewing the thread isn't pulled through all the way or gets caught on somewhere. Check your thread from time to time.
• Do what works for you! These techniques are what I have found to work for me. If you need to change something feel free. For example: using tweezers instead of your fingers to glue down the thread.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Your punched holes are too big:
  • If the hole is slightly larger, try knotting the thread twice to keep it from pulling through.
  • Use a needle to punch your holes instead. 
• Your punched holes are too small:
  • Use the tool you are using to punch the hole (awl or needle) and move it in a circular motion to slowly enlarge the hole.