TAST Week 3

Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 3 Basic TAST

This week I am suggesting you learn and experiment with Stem Stitch.

Stem Stitch is a basic quick and easy linear stitch, which I, personally, think is one of the most useful stitches there are. You can use this stitch to outline just about anything, and it is great for lettering as it will hold a curve well. If you find it looks a bit baggy, or loose make smaller stitches as you move around the curve.

The above sample is actually quite small – as each stitch is just a bit bigger than a seed bead. You can see how the stitches define a tight curve without getting too messy. It’s a stitch that beginners will find useful and yet it is not a huge challenge to learn. As always, follow the link to a step-by-step tutorial for stem stitch and eye candy, and have fun!

Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 3 Beyond TAST

The stitch this week for the Beyond TAST challenge is Portuguese Stem stitch. This is a textured linear stitch that is best worked in a thread with a firm twist. It needs a bit of body to sit proud against the foundation fabric.

Portuguese Stem stitch is an interesting stitch that follows a curve well. I think experienced stitchers will enjoy it. I am looking forward to seeing what people do. As usual, you can find a tutorial for  Portuguese Stem Stitch in myStitch Dictionary.

Where to share your Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 3 samples

If you are new to hand embroidery the challenge is to learn the stitch and share what you have learned. If you are an experienced embroiderer, enjoy Beyond TAST and give your work a modern twist. And of course, share it online so beginners can see what can be done with a little imagination.

If you are doing the design challenge you have a month to work a design and stitch it up.

So the idea is to stitch a sample, photograph it, share it in the Take a Stitch Tuesday facebook group or use the hashtags #TASTembroidery and #PintangleTAST on Instagram.

If you need more information the challenge guidelines are on the TAST FAQ page.

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

Create your own designs with Sharon’s easy-to-use stitchers templates. Combine shapes to create hundreds of patterns and designs to embroider. It is the ultimate mix-and-match fun for stitchers of all skill levels. I created them to be as versatile as possible. I include four multi-patterned templates in each set. You will find them easy to use, totally clear to help you position them on your work, and they are nice and compact to fit in your sewing box. Each set comes with an e-book filled with patterns and designs that you can create and use as a jumping-off spot for your own designs. They are available now in our shop here!

Happy stitching!