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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Starting to embroider  |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 1:36:06 PM
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Did you all just get fabric and needles and start embroidering? Or, did you take a class? I'd like to start, as I'd really like to do some work on some pillows I got, but I'm not sure if I need to do a lot of practice before trying something!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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22angel
True Blue Farmgirl
498 Posts
Pam
Manitoba
Canada
498 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 2:19:16 PM
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It's so super easy! I did my first project in 4-H that I remember - I may or may not have "started" before that, but it's so easy! And a lot of times, if you have a "help" book for knitting/crocheting/tatting, it also includes embroidery/"cross stitch". But even if you don't, you can look online for embroidery techniques or just do what you want with it. There's no right or wrong way, and you can do it however you like! Hope you have fun! (Oh, and if you need to take it out, it's easy too, and no mess to clean up or fix!)
A tip I have is to use an embroidery hoop as it is much easier when the fabric is taut. Also, if you're doing a satin stitch, go first the opposite way of what you want showing, then go over the top of it the other way. Makes a nicer, smoother, fuller satin stitch.
Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.
"When I grow up, I want to be dirt." seen on a box through construction in Wyoming 2010 |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13625 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13625 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 2:43:06 PM
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As Pam says, embroidery is easy. There are lots of "helps" out there for learning the stitches. And, I agree that using a hoop is the way to go. Just keeps your fabric nice and tight and makes for smoother stitching.
I don't even remember when I learned . . . really l-l-oo-oo-n-n-gg time ago. There is also cross stitch too which is fun and there are lots of patterns and "how-to's" out there.
Start simple and have fun!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
From my Heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
From my Hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
From my Hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 3:49:41 PM
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a hoop is probly the most inportant!
my first embroidery was to put my name on the back of my gym uniform in the late '60's !!! or maybe my gramma started me on flowers-yea--i think that was it--and french knots!!!
enjoy!!!
Farmgirl # 2139
proud member of the Farmgirls of the Southwest Henhouse
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2011 : 08:41:27 AM
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I started when I was a little girl. My mother always had an old cigar box packed with embroidery thread, and the pre-stamped designs like pillowcases and dresser scarves were in every dime-store. There was always an embroidery or crewel kit under the tree at Christmas.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2011 : 11:09:17 AM
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| I too am just learning to do embroidery and love it. Did a Sunbonnet Sue picture for a granddaughter for Xmas last year and put it in a frame and it looked so cute. Working on another thing for her as well as her new baby brother to frame and put on their bedroom wall. I started by reading books and just getting some stamped designs to practice on - basic stitches and getting the feel for holding a hoop and sewing small stitches. Got the book "Embroidered Effects" by Jenny Hart and it included some transfers that I used. It's got a "sampler" transfer that includes all the basic stitches which was a great way to start. She's got some cute designs. I've found that once I got started and reading I wanted to learn more and do more. It's addictive - like knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, etc. It will be so much fun for you. Hope you enjoy and have fun. |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2011 : 8:14:20 PM
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for sure hoop, and I'm not a hoop person, but with embroidery it's a must. Any size will do, and price range really doesn't matter, however, I do prefer plastic over wood as wood sometimes stains.
I would start with a tea towel just to get the hang of it. They are cheap at walmart or other places, just get some basic flour sack ones, they are very thin and see through but don't think that as a negative makes it really fast to dry! Just get a cheap pattern like say Martha and just play with it. You may want to check out this site for some basic stitches, I think her site is about the best I have seen as far as pictures and explaining-
http://bigbgsd.blogspot.com/
I actually bought the book she is using cause I was so impressed with her site, you may want to buy it too, however, I will say her site is better then the book if you are a newby, her site has much better pictures and explanations! Believe it or not. lol
It's super easy! I would start with a straight stitch or split stitch, or stem stitch, not all three just one of those three, the lazy daisy, and french knot to begin with. Those will be the three you will more then likely use the most, then add to your stitches as you can.
So pick one of three-straight, split, or stem-any of the three of these will do your basic outline of your patterns.
Lazy daisy (most flowers).
French knot-a few more flowers, and little details that most patterns have-eyes for instance, etc. Oh and if you haven't done these before this will probably be the hardest stitch to get down. I would for sure practice this on a scrap of fabric several times first to get it down right. As it's harder to undue and will make it look more wonky if done wrong. The firs three I listed and the lazy daisy are hard to mess up and if you do it's easy to either leave and no one notice, or take out and redo.
With a mix of those three, you should be able to do most patterns. Then you can add others as you want and learn and grow. Oh and you may also want to learn the cross stitch too, but that's just a x, I think most people can do that with out any practice or what have you. I mean VERY VERY basic! lol
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
Edited by - MagnoliaWhisper on Sep 18 2011 8:16:54 PM |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2011 : 9:20:03 PM
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Oh you will love it and I would just check online cause I am sure you will find the different first stitches there and won't cost ya anything. It is my favorite thing to do...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett
Beverley with an extra E...
https://sites.google.com/site/bevsdoggies/
http://bevsdoggies.blogspot.com/ |
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gracylfreebush
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Gracy
Alvin
TX
USA
39 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2011 : 07:29:39 AM
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I started as a very little girl. Back in the day they use to do what was called a sampler which used several of the embroidery stitches so you could learn. Hoop is important to keep your tension good. Also, I would pick something without a lot of little bitty stitches. The larger stitches are easier to practice on. But pick something you really want to do or you will put it down and not do it because you aren't crazy about it. That is what I do anyway.
Good luck and have fun.
Thoughts are things choose the good ones. |
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22angel
True Blue Farmgirl
498 Posts
Pam
Manitoba
Canada
498 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2011 : 7:49:29 PM
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Oh! Another necessary tip is to take out the hoop when you're finished for the time being. It is really hard to get the "hoop ring" out of fabric, even after washing, ironing, re-wetting & re-ironing! It depends on what I'm doing if I like the wooden hoops or plastic hoops better. But I generally do the wooden hoops. Just have to adjust a bit more often....
Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.
"When I grow up, I want to be dirt." seen on a box through construction in Wyoming 2010 |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2011 : 11:45:56 PM
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I think the adjusting often is just the way of the hoop, I use plastic and have to constantly adjust too. I think it's just their nature plastic or wood. lol However, I have noticed if you live in a humid climate, the wood will stain the cloth.
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
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22angel
True Blue Farmgirl
498 Posts
Pam
Manitoba
Canada
498 Posts |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 7:19:28 PM
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I had a wood finish plastic hoop that left a stain....so now I just use plain wood ones & haven't had a problem. We don't have that much humidity up here either....
Life isn't about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself.
"When I grow up, I want to be dirt." seen on a box through construction in Wyoming 2010 |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Starting to embroider |
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Starting to embroider
