Fabrics and Braids
Just so long as it’s natural and a needle slices through it like butter, I will stitch it. I have an ever-growing collection of fabrics and braids and I encourage you to start your fabric stash today. Look out for lovely linens and cottons wherever you go and buy pretty trims and buttons to ensure your stitching stands out from the rest.
Linens and cottons
I love to scour second-hand shops looking for opportunities to recycle clothing and household linens to build my fabric collection. I rummage for recycled tray cloths and linens whenever the opportunity arises. I’ve even been known to cut up my best linen trousers (they were too tight!). Get in the habit of visiting fabric and patchwork shops to keep an eye on their stock – buying bolt ends and off-cuts can help to boost your stash.
Felt
There is really only one felt that I would recommend you use and that is wool felt. Without the wool, felt will not last and is poor quality. At the very least, you should choose a wool/mix felt.
Wool blanket
The wool blanket I used for the Heart Blanket has 20% polyester in it making it machine washable. A recycled wool blanket would also be a perfect choice but take care when laundering to avoid shrinkage.
Preparing fabrics for stitching
It is advisable to wash and press your fabrics before you sew and this is particularly important for red fabrics in case the colour runs. Fabrics are often treated with a sort of starch dressing to make them easier to sew; so after washing and drying your fabrics, you may find that giving them a little spray starch will aid sewing.
Buttons and braids
I love to add decorative tapes and pretty buttons to embellish my hand-stitched projects. There is a lovely variety available, and I recommend you keep a good collection to inspire you. Ric-rac is a great favourite of mine – it can be sewn on by machine or by hand using backstitch or a stitch similar to herringbone. However, there are a few pitfalls, so do follow the instructions for working with ric-rac braid in the Techniques section. To attach other decorative braids, sew down each side of the tape in a thread that matches the main fabric colour. As for buttons, you will be spoilt for choice. I love to use buttons from my vintage collection, or unusual ones that I have found on my fabric shopping trips like the super little heart-shaped buttons used for the holly berries on the Christmas Tree Decorations. And there is always the option to make your own embroidered buttons (see Techniques).
I store my ribbons and tapes in a wooden box. You can wind them around a decorative form to keep them neat; alternatively, wrap around your fingers and tie or pin to prevent them from unravelling.
Needles and Threads
I am a keen recycler of fabrics, but I’d urge caution with needles and threads – old needles may develop little rust spots and thread deteriorates over time. The threads I prefer are described below but do experiment with other thicknesses and types. Stitchers fall in love with their special needle – when you find yours, keep it safe!
Coton à broder
A favourite of mine, this single strand thread has a matt finish. It is available in different widths in several colours. I prefer No.16 which is quite thick and ideal for blanket stitching, outlining, backstitching, and quilting. Shops rarely stock the whole range but they can be ordered. To keep neat and ready to use remove the paper label and unwind the skein. Cut through all the threads at the knot. Fold in half and place the loop end over a small door knob. Divide into three and plait firmly to the end (see photo, right). Pull a new thread from the looped end. The remaining threads will stay plaited while the thread removed is the perfect length for sewing.
Perle
This high-sheen single strand thread has a slight twist to it. It is available in skeins or balls in different thicknesses from No.3 (thick) to No.12 (thin), and I prefer No.8. It produces a thick stitching line with a slight texture to it and makes a good substitute for coton à broder.
Stranded cotton (floss)
This is available in skeins consisting of six strands which can be pulled out individually for use. It is most usual to use two strands in the needle, but for fine detail use just one, and for a chunkier stitching line use three or more.
Needles
Invest in a pack of good-quality mixed embroidery needles. These have large eyes and are very sharp, piercing the fabric and allowing the thread to be pulled through with very little friction. How do you know what size needle to use? If after three attempts the needle won’t thread, change to one with a larger hole.
Threading a needle To use a needle threader, push the wire loop through the needle eye; push the thread through the wire loop. Gently pull the needle threader back out of the hole and it will bring the thread with it.
Thread-wise
Coton à broder is available in a large variety of colours that match with stranded cotton (floss) colours.
If you prefer, you can substitute a single coton à broder or perle thread for two strands of stranded cotton (floss).
Good-quality thread brands will be colourfast; they will not run and spoil your work. If using recycled threads of an unknown origin, always test for colourfastness before using on your embroidery.
Be aware threads can deteriorate with age – colours fade and they may be weakened.
As well as embroidery threads, you will also need sewing threads to make up your projects. Use a good-quality thread in a colour to match your fabric.
Transferring the Motifs
Before beginning your embroidery you need to transfer your chosen design from the Motifs section onto your fabric. There are many ways to do this. Choose the method that best suits your fabric and design, and remember you must be able to see the outline clearly to embroider it, but it should not be visible on the finished project.
Iron-on