Whipped Stem Stitch

The stem stitch is a commonly used stitch, great at creating curves or the stalks of flowers.

First, make a loop by exiting 1/4 inch away from where you entered, but do not pull the loop through.

Reenter through the middle of the loop, making sure that the loop is facing the same way each time.

Pull through.

Exit 1/4 inch away from the last stitch, but do not pull through.

Reenter where the last stitch ended, as shown:

Pull through.

If you are a more experienced embroiderer, try this technique (called the sewing method) to complete the stem stitch faster:

When you are at the end of the hoop, exit and pull through.

Here is the completed stem stitch.

Now, we can begin what I call "surface stitching" - stitching onto the finished stitch, rarely touching the fabric.

Enter on one side of the end of the stem stitch, and slide through the first stitch.

Pull through.

Slide through the second stitch the same way.

Continue looping around the stitches until you've reached the end. Exit next to the last stitch.

-Avamae

Chain Stitch

The chain stitch is a variation of the blanket stitch, used as a border or even for filling.

First, make one line across your material with your fabric pencil. If you are a beginner, make two lines really close together.

Enter through the line with your threaded needle and pull through.

Exit right next to where you just entered, but do not pull through.

Reenter 1/2 cm to 1/4 inch away from your starting point, but still do not fully pull through.

OK, this gets kind of confusing, but stay with me! Reenter just like you did on the last loop - right next to where you entered, but do not pull through. Pinch the loop you just made and pull so the previous loop is taut.

Reenter 1/2 cm to 1/4 inch away from the first loop, exit a small space away, and pull the loop to tighten the last one.

Create and tighten these loops until you reach the end. Then, when you enter, do not exit and make another loop.

Make one more stitch on the other side of the loop to lock it in place.

Here is a picture of the finished chain stitch:

-Avamae

Fern Stitch

The Fern Stitch is an easy, attractive stitch, often used for stems or borders.

First, draw a straight line on the material with a fabric pencil. Then, enter at the beginning of the line with your threaded needle.

Next, exit about 1/4 inch away from where you entered.

Reenter about a quarter inch to the left of the middle of the stitch, as shown:

Next, exit at the same place you did on the previous stitch.

Enter on the opposite side.

Then, exit in the place where the other two stitches meet.

Reenter 1/4 inch away from the point where all the stitches meet.

Exit where the stitches all meet. (Note: You are basically repeating the last 6 steps.)

Enter where you entered last.

Can you guess where you're supposed to go from here?

Reenter at the point where the stitches meet.

You should seriously be able to guess where you put this next one.

Go back to step one, and alternate between these steps every three stitches.

-Avamae

:)

The Wee Little Angel

Today I decided to post about the angel I just embroidered. It was a lot of fun and super easy!

Here is a picture of the angel:

The dress is made up of the star stitch, split stitch, and couching (used on the gold thread). The wings are embroidered using the split stitch, and her hands, feet, and face are made up of the back stitch. To create a twisted, braided look, I used the stem stitch for the hair.

Happy stitching!

-Avamae

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Today I will break the monotony of stitch tutorial and mix it up a bit! I will teach you how to make delicious chocolate chip cookies.

First, preheat the oven to 350. Then, soften 1 to 2 sticks of butter, depending on how greasy you like your cookies. If they are not softened enough, just slice them thinly and stick them in the mixer. In this case, I used 1 1/2 sticks of butter.

Next, select a small bowl for the dry ingredients. Measure 2 1/4 cups of flour and dump it into the bowl.

Also mix in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. 

If you used unsalted butter, also mix in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. However, if you did use it (like I did), leave it out.

Then, add a shake of cinnamon and mix.

Continue to the next bowl, which I mix in the mixer. Deposit the butter into the bowl along with 1 cup of brown sugar, as shown:

Then, measure 1/2 cup of white sugar, and a few drops of vanilla.

After mixing, crack two eggs into the bowl and beat.

Combine the wet ingredients, and then add the previous bowl and mix everything together. I add half a bag of chocolate chips also.

Pop them in the preheated oven, and wait for about ten-fifteen minutes before taking them out. 

Enjoy!

-Avamae

Satin Stitch

The Satin Stitch is an extremely widely used filling stitch. Its concept is simple, but mastering the satin stitch takes practice.

To begin, outline the shape you want to fill with the satin stitch. In this case, I chose an hourglass to fit with the Lazy Daisies.

Then, enter in a corner or side of the figure, and exit on the opposite side.

Continue this until you have reached the end. Here is how it looks half-way through:

When it is completed, it should look fully filled, like this:

This is the completed strip:

-Avamae

Lazy Daisies

The Lazy Daisy stitch is a variation of the blanket stitch. It creates a pretty and simple flower used in many embroideries.

First, draw a star-like shape on your material with a fabric pencil. Enter through the middle of the star:

Exit right next to where you just entered but do not pull through.

Reenter at the end of the line you drew, as shown:

Pull through.

To complete the petal, exit on the other side of the petal to latch it in place:

To start the next petal, enter just as your did previously through the middle.

This is the finished flower with all the petals completed:

-Avamae

:D