Changing the appearance of a stitch

[Ellie]

Hi everybody,

I think that it is not always easy to find ways to change the look of a stitch, especially if you are new to hand embroidery. I was reading about hand embroidery and I think there is a list of things that you can "do" to a lot of stitches to change its appearance.

I would like to start a list with things I found and hope that others (more experienced people) will join with more ideas so that everybody can benefit from this.

Try different kinds of thread like
- cotton
- rayon
- silk
- wool
- metallic thread

Changing the distance between the stitches
- close together
- far apart
- consistent change between close together and far apart
- random change between close together and far apart

Change the size of the stitch
- vary the size (length) of the stitch consistent or random
- put small and large stitches next to each other
- change the size of just on part (leg) of the stitch

Bend the stitch
- stitch a curve either consistent or random

Different things
- stitch more rows of a stitches lying upon each other with the same thread
- stitch more rows of a stitches lying upon each other with different thread
- stitch more rows of a stitch very close to each other so that maybe the "legs" meet at a point
- stitch "little pattern" like a circle or a quadrat
- make a stitch bundle (next to each other or on top or both)
- put bead on certain parts of the stitch

Thats about what I found. Hope this will be useful for you

Happy stitching

Ellie

[Gina E.]

Thank you Ellie. I have just printed all that off and will keep it in my TAST folder, where I will be keeping a copy of the pages from Sharon's original site as they come up each week here. I'll have a record of her stitch variations, as well as others that I have printed from the Flickr site, (after asking the original stitcher if I may do so.) I'm also keeping paper copies of stitching hints like yours, so as the year goes on, I will have accumulated something even better than most of the embroidery books around!

[Pirkko]

Thank You for this, Ellie. I like to experiment with one type of stitch, and your suggestions just tickle me green (I'm not a pink fan, so green has to do).

[Carol-Anne]

You have some great ideas in there Ellie. Here are a couple more you might like to try.

Change the angle of parts of the stitch, e.g. the 'leg' of buttonhole stitch
Wrap your stitches with thread, thicker, thinner, contrasting or complimentary threads will all give different effects as will whipping the stitches.
Use the stitch to couch down other threads.

Elizabeth of Quieter Moments is a master at exploring and altering stitches.

CA

[julie mackinder]

Ellie, thank you so much for all these suggestions :) I am making a hesitant start into hand embroidery so your advice is invaluable. I will be printing your notes off and keeping them with my TAST samples too.

[Verobirdie]

Ellie,
This is a long list already!
As thread, you can use beaded thread, I mean a thread where you have added beads.
Instead of silk ribbon, try ribbon cut from plastic bag.
Give electric wire a try too.
I've used matches too, see http://www.flickr.com/photos/verobirdie/2520827362/
You could do the same with slashed fabric instead.
I've not yet tried all the above, they are in my to do list :-)
Enjoy!

[Carol Johnson]

Thanks, I'm new to all of this and these little tips are very helpful. Carol

[cinzia]

Thanks Ellie I have printed your information and will try to use one or two of the ideas with each new stitch