MACHINE COLUMN
Monthly columnist, Sophie Tarrant shares money-saving tips for upcycling clothes
MATERIALS
Mediumweight cotton canvas fabric: 40x40cm, cream
Heavyweight iron-on interfacing: 40x40cm
Embroidery hoop: 20cm diameter Polyester sewing machine thread: black
Machine embroidery threads in a selection of bright colours (optional) Basic embroidery kit
NOTES
Find the templates on p59. WS = wrong side(s).
Using an iron on a medium heat, bond
01 the interfacing to the WS of the fabric with the adhesive (shiny) side down. Trace the template design onto the fabric using your preferred method. We used a heat-erasable pen with a lightbox under the template to see the design more clearly. As this design is worked onto canvas which is stiffened with interfacing there is no need to stitch with the fabric stretched in a hoop as it is stable enough without one.
With your machine set up for freemotion
02 embroidery, use black thread for the top stitch and the bobbin thread. Before you begin, have a practise first on a piece of spare canvas, or you can use cotton fabric stretched in an embroidery hoop to keep it taut. Once you’re happy with your practice piece you can begin stitching the design. Machine stitch over the design traced on the fabric, guiding the fabric in any direction to embroider the design. Stitch over the design two or three times to ensure a bold embroidery lines.
Cut any loose threads close to the fabric, on both the front and back using a pair of small embroidery scissors.
Once completed you can add colour to
03 the balloons and doors by stitching back and forth with coloured threads. Or leave the embroidery in black and white if you prefer. On a low heat setting, press the embroidery to erase the pen and remove creases.
Carefully position the fabric within the
04 embroidery hoop, ensuring the design is central. Then remove the hoop and cut around the embroidery roughly 4cm away from the circular crease that the hoop has imprinted on the fabric.
Neaten the edge of the fabric by
05 overlocking or using a machine zigzag stitch. You could also sew a hem by hand if you prefer. Place the embroidery back within the hoop, gently pulling the fabric taught in all directions to ensure it is framed without any creases. Secure the hoop by tightening the screw at the top.
Work a running stitch around the edge
06 of the fabric, close to the neatened edge at the back. Securing with a knot, begin at the bottom of the design and stitch around the whole circle back toward the knot. Gently pull the thread to gather the fabric towards the centre of the hoop. Knot the end of the embroidery thread at the bottom of the hoop. Finally, add a length of thread or ribbon to the screw, ready to hang on the wall.