Whipped Chain Stitch

Whipped Chain Stitch is a handy variety of chain stitch, as it creates a slightly stronger line than ordinary chain stitch. It stands a little more proud of the surface. The thread you use to whip the foundation line of chain stitches can be of a contrasting colour or texture. …

A Handbook of Lettering for Stitchers

A Handbook of Lettering for Stitchers reaches outrageous prices on Amazon. I have seen it priced at well over $100. To be honest it is a good book but it not worth that, particularly since it is now out of copyright and Public Collectors  host a pdf copy for free. …

My top 3 recommendations for a stitch dictionary

I was asked what my recommendations for a stitch dictionary for a  person who was learning embroidery but as I wrote this I realised these books are a good foundation and reference for any hand embroiderers library. I don’t think you need all 3 books but if you have one of these you …

Hand Embroidery sampler details 736-740

I have more close up details from my hand embroidery sampler to share today For those who do pulled thread embroidery I am sure you will recognise Ringed back stitch  in band 736. I worked it using a hand dyed silk thread. Since Ringed back stitch is a pattern based on back stitch …

How to work Fancy Bobbin Edging

Fancy Bobbin Edging is an interesting variation of buttonhole. I discovered it in an old book called The Batsford encyclopaedia of embroidery stitches by Anne Butler. This book was published in the late 1970’s and the black and white hand drawn illustrations look dated and are not always clear but being …

Hand Embroidery sampler details 731-735

Two dramatic bands on my hand embroidery sampler are 734 and 735. Both are samples of Threaded Arrow stitch. Above is a band where I worked a line of arrow stitch and then a line of threaded arrow. The foundation Arrow stitches on all rows is worked in a hand …

A collection of Free Hand Embroidery patterns

I have found another collection of free hand embroidery patterns hosted by the Antique Pattern Library. These are real gems, so in the spirit of sharing I am providing some eye candy from the collection so you can see if it will suit you needs. The Antique pattern library provide …